OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

NRF: Chip-and-signature not cutting it with customers
While the financial industry is supporting the use of chip-and-signature cards to meet the upcoming Oct. 1 EMV mandate, consumers are less convinced.

According to a new survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF), 62% of U.S. consumers believe new credit cards being issued by banks don’t go far enough to protect card data or prevent fraud.
Toys 'R' Us, Kohl's look to fill more than 100,000 holiday jobs
Toys “R” Us and Kohl’s are among the first retailers to announce their holiday hiring plans this year, and the numbers are more or less the same as last year for both companies.

Toys “R” Us plans to hire 40,000 employees at its stores and distribution centers throughout the country (about 5,000 less than last year). The retailer also plans to allow seasonal workers the opportunity to take on significantly more hours than in previous years, while also continuing to provide extra hours to current employees.

Retail’s $30 billion problem

Organized crime is on the rise — and it’s taking a heavy financial toll on the nation’s retailers.

Retailers on average report they lost $453,940 per $1 billion in annual sales over the past year due to organized crime, according to the National Retail Federation’s 11th annual Organized Retail Crime Survey, which put a $30 billion price tag on the problem.
Sears names new chief for Kenmore line

Sears Holdings has turned to a veteran of tech and innovation companies to lead the business unit in charge of the company's most iconic brands.

The company has named Tom Park as president of the retailer's Kenmore, Craftsman & DieHard division.
Survey: Most consumers in the dark about EMV

Retailers are extremely aware of the looming Oct. 1 deadline to securely accept payments from chip-enabled, EMV-compliant cards. But according to a new survey of 18,000 U.S. adults, consumers have much lower awareness.

The survey, conducted in late August by POS technology provider Harbortouch, shows that 56% of consumers are unware of what “EMV” or “chip-enabled” mean.
Macy’s gets in touch with new omnichannel payment option

Macy’s Inc. is getting in touch with a new omnichannel payment option.
Consumers Want it Now — But When Will Retailers Deliver?

Today’s consumer is driven by an “I want it now” mentality, yet retailers are still not prepared to deliver. Reducing the time it takes an order to arrive at a customer’s home is every retailer’s objective, but while quicker fulfillment makes customers happy, it comes at a cost.
Trump attacks Macy’s CEO, board

New York – Front-running Republican presidential contender Donald Trump continued his war of words with Macy’s Inc. during a Sunday morning interview on the CBS program, "Face the Nation."

Trump singled out Macy’s as an example of companies where the CEO places their friends on the board and receives inappropriately high pay.
Toys ‘R’ Us taps beauty company vet to head up HR

Wayne, N.J. – Toys “R” Us has put an executive from L’Oreal in charge of its human resources.

The toy giant appointed Tim Grace as executive VP, global chief talent officer, effective Sept. 14.

Grace will oversee all global human resources functions, including organizational design, talent acquisition, succession planning, learning, change management and labor and employee relations, as well as compensation and benefits.
Exclusive: Former Home Depot exec tees up at PGA Tour Superstore

The company, the PGA Tour’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner, has built a business dedicated to providing golf enthusiasts of all levels access to the same technology and expertise that card-carrying Tour pros enjoy. Stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club-making and repair facility.