OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

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.
Another first for Amazon

In its ongoing quest to speed up delivery for its customers, Amazon has unveiled its first “Prime Air” branded delivery plane. The plane is a Boeing 767-300, owned and operated by Atlas Air, that has been converted into a freighter. Named Amazon One, the plane is one of 40 that Amazon has agreed to lease through air cargo partners Atlas and ATSG.
Academy Sports names Walmart’s Gloeckler as merchandising chief

Top Walmart executive Michelle Gloeckler, who landed 38th on Fortune’s list of most powerful women last year, will leave Bentonville to take over as executive VP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Capitol Hill veteran joins RILA’s government affairs team

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has named Even Armstrong as VP of government affairs, effective Aug. 1. Armstrong will lead advocacy efforts related to workforce and employment issues before Congress and federal agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL), the EEOC and NLRB.
Study: Cost reduction a top priority of retailers

Retailers are focused on getting leaner. That’s according to a new study by Accenture, in which 88% of retailers said they were focused on cost reduction to free up funds necessary to reinvest in growth initiatives. As for where they are those cost savings, the top three areas were expanding into new geographies (cited by 60%), digital technologies (54%) and enhancing customer experiences (52%).