OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Asda opens seamless in-store possibilities
Walmart’s U.K. subsidiary Asda is expanding what customers can do with in-store pickup and return through its new service called toyou.
Amazon makes the Ivy League
After years of hard work and success, Amazon.com has finally gained admittance to an elite Ivy League campus.

Amazon plans to open Amazon@Penn, a new staffed package pickup point to be opened on the University of Pennsylvania campus. The first such facility at an Ivy League university, Amazon@Penn will offer a location for Penn students to pick up and return their Amazon orders.

Kroger wishes retiring Fred Meyer president well, names successor

Photo: Jeff Burt
New retail concept, Star World, combines bricks and clicks

Photo: Jerry Azarkman, president of Star World
One to watch: Here comes the Corner Store

CST Brands is not a household name in the retail industry, but it is fast becoming one. The company has ambitious plans to grow through new store construction and acquisitions and just made several key executive moves to help make things happen.
Barnes & Noble names new head merchant

Just a few days after reporting an increase in sales growth over the holiday season, Barnes & Noble has named a new head merchant.

The company announced it has promoted Mary Amicucci to be its new CMO, effective immediately. Amicucci previously held the role of VP of Adult Trade & Children’s Books and will continue to report directly to Jaime Carey, COO.
Family Dollar CEO is leaving Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree says Family Dollar CEO Howard R. Levine is stepping down as an officer of the company following the integration of Family Dollar.

The company had previously announced that Levine would remain with the company for a period of time to assist with the integration, reporting to, and supporting, Dollar Tree’s CEO, Bob Sasser. Gary Philbin, who was named Family Dollar’s president and COO in July, will continue leading Family Dollar and will continue reporting to Sasser.
Former Pier 1 exec to lead Sally Beauty

Sally Beauty Holdings is turning to a 25-year retail veteran to help the company boost sales and drive growth.

Sharon M. Leite has been appointed president of the Sally Beauty Supply LLC, U.S. and Canada business, effective Feb. 1.
SPS adds to omnichannel toolbox with acquisition

SPS Commerce Inc., a provider of cloud-based retail supply chain management solutions, is recognizing the need for back-end unification of supply chain and store.

SPS has acquired ToolBox Solutions, a Toronto-based provider of POS analytics and category management services to retailers and CPG suppliers in North America.
Former Walmart exec named head merchant at The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market is turning to a veteran of Walmart, Stop & Shop and Food Lion to help the struggling food retailer boost sales.