OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Retail Loss Prevention Resolutions for 2016 and Beyond
With 2016 upon us, most everyone is thinking about the New Year’s resolutions they have in place for the upcoming year. The perennially popular resolutions range from losing weight to getting out of debt.

If you look closely, the resolutions could mirror goals that retailers may want to consider in 2016, especially as it relates to loss prevention (LP).
Health insurance executive joins Lowe's board
Lowe's has appointed an executive of the health insurance industry to its board of directors.

The retailer said that its board of directors has appointed Bertram L. Scott, 65, to the board, effective immediately. The announcement brings Lowe's board of directors to 12 members, 11 of whom are independent.

Target co-founder Bruce Dayton dies

Bruce Dayton, the father of Minnesota's governor and a key figure, along with his four brothers, in building the massive retailing business that became Target Corp., has died. Dayton, 97 and the last of the brothers to die, also launched the B. Dalton bookstore chain in 1966, the Star Tribune reported. [Star Tribune]
Report: Fast-food CEO says company will adjust to wage increases

The CEO of Popeyes, Cheryl Bachelder, believes it’s time to move past the debate involving minimum wage increases, Fortune reported. “We will adjust to increased costs just like we have before. Life will go on,” Bachelder said. [Fortune]
Former P&G exec named to Target board

Target's board of directors has added a former executive of the retailer's largest supplier.

The board announced it has elected Melanie Healey, former group president, North America, of the Procter & Gamble Company, as a new director, effective immediately.
Three Ways Retailers Can Increase Safety and Sales on Black Friday

Even with a slight decline this past year, Thanksgiving weekend has upheld its reputation as the most popular shopping weekend of the year. Last year, over 130 million people shopped or planned to shop over the holiday weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. More specifically, a whopping 80 million of those shoppers participated in Black Friday shopping.
Walgreens expands telehealth in big way

Telehealth is coming to more users of Walgreens’s mobile app. The company has announced that it has expanded MDLive’s telehealth services through its app to users in 20 additional states — bringing the total states eligible to 25. The company also launched an updated telehealth experience within the app.
Meijer pledges $400,000 to toy-giving program

Any toy purchased at Meijer through Nov. 30 will help the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer grant a child's wish this holiday season.

Meijer is once again donating a portion of customer purchases made in the toy department, up to $400,000, to children's gift-giving programs throughout the Midwest.
Energy and Operational Efficiencies Retailers May Be Missing Out On

Excess energy consumption in retail can exceed 30%, which means there is a huge opportunity for savings that many retailers s have not yet fully explored.

Retailers spend nearly $20 billion annually on energy expenses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By saving just 15% from optimizing operations and eliminating waste, we can save $3 billion as an industry.
Ex-Home Depot CEO named to Macy's board

Macy's is adding a retail industry and corporate governance expert its board of directors.

The retailer has named Frank Blake, recently former chairman and chief executive officer of Home Depot, its board. Blake’s election increases the size of the board to 14 members.