OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Gordmans checks out enhanced store operations
Gordmans Stores is taking a POS-centric approach to improving the store experience.

Nebraska-based Gordmans, a discount department store chain with 101 locations, has engaged with retail solutions provider OLR to implement Oracle Retail Xstore Point of Sale (POS) and Oracle Retail Customer Engagement.
SAP Retail Forum: Target, Loblaw keep up with changing customer needs
Two leading retailers highlighted different aspects of their digital customer experience efforts at the recent SAP Retail Forum in Miami.

Keri Stelle, director, Target Technology Services, said Target Corp. is trying to modify its entire corporate culture to respond to changing needs of the new digital customer in a session titled, “Who is the Evolving Target Guest?”

“It’s not just about Mom anymore,” said Stelle. “Today, the entire family wields influence over the retail purchase.”

Study: Payment to get personal

A new study from Juniper Research has found that the increased rollout of contactless payment services using fingerprint scanners will push the number of biometrically authenticated transactions to nearly 5 billion by 2019, up from less than 130 million this year.

The research observed that at present, only two services, Apple Pay and Samsung, used fingerprint scanners for authentication, with availability currently limited to the U.S. and U.K. for the former, and the U.S. and South Korea for the latter.
Walmart kiosks to offer health assessments and rewards

Walmart is launching a new initiative with InComm and Pursuant Health that allows health plans to promote health risk assessments at kiosks in Walmart stores.

InComm, a leading prepaid product and transaction services company, and Pursuant Health (formerly SoloHealth) announced the partnership at the 2015 Money 2020 Conference in Las Vegas.
SAP Retail Forum: Harry & David receives warehouse management gift

Having two of something is not always better than one, especially when it comes to warehouse management systems.

“We wanted to provide the quickest means to manufacture and fulfill orders in the most cost-effective manner,” said Heather Bothern, manager of SAP applications for Harry & David, during a session at the recent SAP Retail Forum in Miami. “We needed full visibility of all materials in all locations.”
A retail holiday hiring scorecard

Before retailers compete for holiday sales they are competing for seasonal talent that will have a big impact on their performance. Here’s a look at whose hiring season help and how many positions are being filled.
Managing a Global Supply Chain in an Omnichannel World

As omnichannel and e-commerce-only stores have exploded in popularity, delivery timescales and costs have become a key differentiator for retailers. In parallel, advancements in supply chain technology created new opportunities for retailers to make more informed decisions about shipping operations to protect and increase margins.
What the future of product safety looks like

Shoppers will take for granted that the products they buy are safe this holiday season, but behind scenes it requires a tremendous amount of effort to deliver on that expectation. Join Walmart, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and ICIX for a look at what’s next in the world of product safety during an upcoming webinar on Nov. 13 at 1 p.m., EST.
Staples founder Tom Stemberg dies

One of the retail industry’s true innovators, Staples co-founder Tom Stemberg, passed away on Friday at the age of 66. 

Stemberg, who died at home after a two-year battle with gastric cancer, was considered the father of the office superstore format. With the backing of Bain Capital and its co-founder, Mitt Romney, he co-founded Staples in 1986, and went on to lead the company through a period of rapid growth to dominate the office products industry.
A new look for fresh merchandising at Walmart

The produce department at Walmart is about to take on the appealing look of a country market thanks to a new supply chain and merchandising solution.

Walmart plans to begin using a new style of wood grain reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for wet and dry produce such as apples, potatoes, onions and citrus items.