OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

A surging J.C. Penney to re-enter category it left 30 years ago
As more millennials enter the real estate market and a rising number of homeowners invest in updating their homes, J.C. Penney is re-entering the appliance business.

The retailer announced that it will introduce a leading assortment of major appliances in 22 pilot stores beginning Feb. 1. Backed by customer research that reinforces the company’s decision to enter the appliance market, the pilot is one of several strategic initiatives aimed at improving its home department sales productivity, the company said.
Seven payment predictions for 2016
The NFC/contactless ecosystem will grow in 2016, with an increasingly number of third-party wallets coming from the likes of Samsung and Google.

That’s just one of seven payment predictions contained in a new infographic from the Ingenico Group.

To see the infographic, click here.

Penney taps former Home Depot vet to head up stores

J.C. Penney Company appointed Joe McFarland as executive VP of stores, effective immediately, succeeding Tony Bartlett.

McFarland, similar to J.C. Penney CEO Marvin Ellison, is a Home Depot veteran. He worked at the home improvement giant for over 20 years, most recently as president of its Northern and Western Divisions, where he was responsible for the sales and operations of up to 800 stores in 24 states. McFarland began his career at the chain as a sales associate.
Ascena Retail Group appoints a new senior VP

Ascena Retail Group has a new senior VP to lead the company through its next phase of growth.

The company announced that Duane Holloway has been named senior VP and general counsel, effective immediately. Holloway will serve on the company’s leadership team and report to David Jaffe, president and CEO. He will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the Company.
Publix names senior VP of retail ops, plus two new VPs

Publix Super Markets continues to make news on the executive front.
Former RadioShack CEO, Walgreens exec to lead Massage Envy

Massage Envy, a subscription-based massage and skincare services provider, on Monday named Joseph Magnacca as CEO, succeeding Dave Crisalli who will continue to serve the business as a member of its board.

Magnacca most recently served as CEO of RadioShack. Prior to that he was executive VP and president of Daily Living Products and Solutions for Walgreen Co., where he oversaw all of Walgreen's marketing and merchandising operations across more than 8,000 stores.
Aaron's announces new senior leadership

Aaron's has assembled a new senior leadership team to position the company for growth and success.

The company, led by CEO John W. Robinson, announced the following changes on Tuesday:

• Gilbert L. Danielson will step down as CFO. Until his retirement at the end of 2016, Danielson will remain executive VP, serving as a senior advisor to the leadership team and managing certain strategic projects.
Toys “R” Us marks milestone store in China

Ten years after first entering the market, Toys "R" Us has opened its 100th store in China. The retailer has opened a total of 27 new locations across China within the past year.
Sally Beauty predicts improved store operations

Sally Beauty Supply is applying analytics to the literal consumer touchpoint where revenues are made -- the point of sale.

Sally Beauty is teaming up with prescriptive analytics provider Profitect Inc. to analyze sales and other data recorded at its in-store POS terminals. After a two-week implementation, Sally Beauty now has better insight into trends and patterns associated with areas of leaking profit, including shrink, damage, costing errors, waste, process mistakes, and lack of training.
Former Sports Authority exec lands tasty CIO role

Veteran retail information technology executive Kathy Persian is the new CIO at a leading integrated food retailing company.

The Schwan Food Company named Kathy Persian senior VP and CIO with responsibility for the strategic direction and execution of the company’s information services department.