OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Target axes kids’ shopping carts
Target Corp. is putting the kibosh on what probably sounded like a good idea, but turned into what some shoppers called a nightmare. In a pilot program that started in August, the discounter rolled out mini-shopping carts for kids in approximately 70 stores. But some kids apparently went wild with the little red carts, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported, crashing them into other shoppers, dumping merchandise into them and bruising their ankles and shins. Complaints about the kiddie carts went viral.
Office Depot in deal for its European business
Office Depot Inc. has agreed to sell its European business to an investment group. The office-supplies retailer is selling its European operation to German investment firm Aurelius Group. Office Depot Europe operates more than 100 stores in Europe, under such banners as Viking.

Accenture to acquire consulting firm Kurt Salmon

Accenture, a global professional services company, has entered into an agreement to acquire Kurt Salmon, a global strategy consulting firm focused on the retail industry. The acquisition will expand Accenture Strategy’s capabilities in delivering strategy consulting services to retailers and private equity firms in a world disrupted by digital. 
New England retailer closing stores early for presidential debate

The CEO of Jordan’s Furniture wants folks to watch the upcoming presidential debate, which is scheduled for Sept. 26 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EST.
Discounter in more store closings

Kmart continues to shrink. The chain is closing another 64 stores, Marketwatch.com reported. The latest round of closings are in addition to a decision by Kmart parent Sears Holdings Corp. last April to close 68 Kmart stores this year, the report said. Kmart operated 941 stores as of Jan. 30, meaning it has now announced plans to close about 14% of its locations.
Report: EU consumers eye returns before even buying

European consumers seem to be taking the adage, “buyer beware” very literally.

Unsure whether their online purchase will satisfy their needs until it actually arrives, 54% of shoppers reported they think about returning an item before they have even purchased it. And this mindset runs the gamut from decisions about apparel and electrical goods to home decor and furniture, according to “Making Money Out of Returns: The Essential Guide to Managing International Returns,” a report from fulfillment provider B2C Europe.
Holiday Uptime: Preparing Your Network for the Holiday Rush
Starbucks CEO takes a stand in presidential race

If any retail CEO is going to endorse a candidate in this year’s presidential race, Howard Schultz would certainly rank at the top of the list.
Dick’s Sporting Goods acquires team business tech firm

Back in January, Dick’s Sporting Goods launched Team Sports HQ in an effort to capture the nation’s lucrative youth sports league business. Today the company announced the purchase of the tech to get it there.
Why is Target spending $20 million on restrooms?

Target Corp. is taking action to put an end to the controversy that erupted in the wake of its transgender bathroom decision. The retailer will spend $20 million to ensure that each of its stores have a single-occupancy, unisex bathroom by next year, MarketWatch reported.