OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Tiffany nabs Cartier exec as international VP
New York - Tiffany & Co. turned to a main competitor when it was time to find a new global business executive. Tiffany has named Philippe Galtié to the position of senior VP international, effective Aug. 17.

Galtié, 54, most recently held the post of Cartier’s international retail director. He began his career with a range of general management and global marketing roles at Moët-Hennessy, Mars Inc., Eridania Beghin Say and the Nestlé Group.
Crate & Barrel’s new CEO comes from a hot competitor
New York -- Crate & Barrel has nabbed a CEO from the executive ranks of a much more upscale competitor.

The home furnishings retailer named Doug Diemoz, currently chief development officer at Restoration Hardware, as CEO, effective Aug. 1. He replaces Sascha Bopp, who was named CEO in 2012 but left in August 2014. Crate & Barrel COO and CFO Adrian Mitchell has been interim CEO during the search for a permanent replacement.

J. Crew to launch new store concept

New York -- J.Crew Group, a company struggling to regain its mojo, is jumping into the value category.

The company announced it will launch a new store banner, J.Crew Mercantile, selling lower-priced (“value-driven”) merchandise with classic J. Crew styles for women, men and children. The first J.Crew Mercantile store will open in late July, at The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas. The retailer plans to open more Mercantile stores in strip centers and some malls, Bloomberg reported.
American Express debuts competitor to PayPal

New York -- The online checkout space keeps getting more crowded.

American Express on Thursday launched Amex Express Checkout, an alternative online payment method that its U.S. card members can use to check out and pay on partnering websites and apps. Unlike other online payments tools currently in the marketplace, Amex Express Checkout does not require a card member to create or manage a new account.
Express promotes finance VP to CFO

Columbus, Ohio – Express Inc. is naming a new CFO, and not looking far to fill the role.

Perry Pericleous, previously VP, finance, has been promoted to senior VP, CFO and treasurer, reporting to Matthew Moellering, executive VP and COO.

Pericleous succeeds Paul Dascoli, who has left the company, effective July 7. Pericleous, 42, is a 15-year veteran of Express and most recently served as VP, finance with responsibility for all financial planning and analysis functions.
How Starbucks beats the cost of living

Seattle – Although coffee prices are on the wane, Starbucks Corp. is facing rising wage and rent expenses. The retailer is passing at least some of those costs along to the consumer with higher prices on some beverages.
7-Eleven makes sure customers have cash on hand

Dallas – Convenience store purchases are often small, inexpensive items most consumers would prefer to pay cash for. 7-Eleven Inc. is making sure customers always have access to cash through an agreement with Financial Consulting & Trading International Inc. (FCTI) to become its new ATM provider.

FCTI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven Bank an ATM provider for all 7-Eleven stores in Japan. 7-Eleven's U.S. company-operated and franchised stores are expected to transition to FCTI's ATM program in 2017.
Rite Aid in new risk management appointment

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corporation is beefing up its risk management.

The drugstore chain announced that Paul Zikmund, a risk management professional with nearly 30 years of experience, is joining Rite Aid as group VP of risk and controls.

In this new position, Zikmund will oversee the risk management program for Rite Aid as well as its subsidiaries, RediClinic, Health Dialog and EnvisionRx. Zikmund will report to Tony Bellezza, Rite Aid senior VP and chief compliance officer.
Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores promotes COO to CEO

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. has named William (Will) A. Powell as CEO and president. Powell succeeds W. Bruce Johnson, who as previously announced is stepping down as CEO and president.
Whole Foods Market in mea culpa

New York -- The top executives at Whole Foods Market have issued a mea culpa via social media in regards to an investigation that found instances of incorrectly priced products at their stores in New York City.