OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Survey: Disconnect between IT, loss prevention, and other units
Chelmsford, Mass. -- There is a disconnect between IT and loss prevention departments when it comes to budgets, focus and staffing, according to a study by IHL Group and Axis Communications.
Aeropostale not replacing departing exec
New York — Aeropostale is losing a key executive and not replacing her.

The retailer announced that its chief merchandiser, Executive VP Emilia Fabricant, is leaving the company. Effective immediately, the company's senior merchandising team will report to CEO Julian R. Geiger.

The retailer said there are no plans to seek a replacement for Fabricant at this time.

RSR: Retailers place high value on competitive price intelligence

Walnut Creek, Calif. – Retailers are increasingly placing a high value on competitive price intelligence.

A new survey of 123 retailers from RSR Research co-sponsored by 360pi, “Pricing 2015,” indicates 59% of respondents reported competitive price intelligence as very valuable.

The survey also shows that competitive price intelligence was cited as the top intent for change at 34% of “retail winners” and 50% of “retail laggards.” Additional takeaways include:
Edible Arrangements taps specialty retailer exec as CFO

Wallingford, Conn. — Edible Arrangements International has named Tony DiPippa as CFO.

DiPippa replaces former CFO George Wilson, who moves over to support Edible Arrangements founder and CEO Tariq Farid in the expansion of Edible Brands and his other ventures, including Netsolace, Broadpeak and Naranga.
Abercrombie annual meeting: Changing of the guard

New York — Less drama and fewer flipflops — those were some of the changes at Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s annual meeting on Thursday, Columbus Business First reports. It was the first annual gathering since longtime, controversial CEO Michael Jefferies left the company. For the full story, click here.
Former Wal-Mart exec new co-owner of New York retailer

New York -- A former executive from Wal-Mart Stores has joined up with a real estate executive to expand New York City-based luxury home décor retailer Gracious Home.

Dottie Mattison who served in a variety of executive roles from 2006 to 2010 at Wal-Mart, including senior VP and general manager of the apparel global merchandising center and chief merchant of Walmart.com, has teamed up with David Mitchell to buy a majority stake in Gracious Home for an undisclosed price. Mattison will serve as CEO and Mitchell as chairman.
Q&A with CVS Health’s chief digital officer, Brian Tilzer

Boston -- Brian Tilzer, senior VP and chief digital officer of CVS Health, sat down with Chain Store Age at the opening of the CVS Digital Innovation Lab in Boston to discuss the strategy behind the lab and CVS’ larger goals for transforming health care through digital technology.
Four insights from J.C. Penney’s top two execs

New York -- J.C. Penney CEO Myron Ullman and CEO-designee Marvin Ellison shared their thoughts on the company and its strategy going forward at a recent presentation to analysts.

For the story, click here.
Report: Target initiates latest round of job cuts

New York -- Target Corp. has laid off about 140 employees from its Minneapolis headquarters as part of its transformation efforts, and eliminated 50 open positions, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Including the latest round of cuts, Target has let go about 2,500 workers this year.

Click here for the story.
CVS Health giving stores beauty and health makeover

New York -- CVS Health is rethinking every aspect of its store to ensure that it not only reflects the company’s broader commitment to healthcare and but also delivers on what customers have come to expect from its pharmacy locations. The move comes on the heels of its decision more than a year ago to pull the plug on tobacco products and rebrand the company as CVS Health.