OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

UPS makes shipping and delivery more convenient
Atlanta - UPS is expanding the number of locations customers can pick up and drop off packages. The company is expanding the number of cities it offers the UPS Access Point network, which offers package pickup and drop-off at local businesses, primarily neighborhood convenience and grocery stores, dry cleaners and delicatessens with extended evening and weekend hours.
Survey highlights top obstacles to EMV readiness
Atlanta -- A sizeable number of businesses won’t meet the EMV transition deadline, according to a survey by Randstad Technologies.

99 Cents Stores names Wal-Mart grocery VP as merchandising head

City of Commerce, Calif. - 99 Cents Only Stores LLC has named Jack L. Sinclair as chief merchandising officer. Sinclair will be responsible for merchandising and marketing functions.
eBay continues to clean house

New York -- In its latest round of housecleaning, eBay is killing same-day deliveries and three mobile apps.

The company on Monday said it is shutting down eBay Now, a three-year-old service that allows customers to buy items from local sellers and then have the goods delivered as soon as the same day. The service, the company’s answer to the fast-growing on-demand delivery market, never really took off.
Worthy.com names financial tech expert as COO

New York – Worthy.com, an online marketplace for used luxury goods, has named Gil Gadot as executive VP and COO.

Gadot joins Worthy with more than 20 years of experience in finance and technology.
Walmart takes a White House pledge

New York -- Walmart has joined an elite group of corporate titans in taking a pledge to fight climate change. Among other things, the retail giant will double its solar commitment.

Walmart on Monday signed a pledge to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase low-carbon investments and invest in clean energy as part of a new White House climate change initiative, the “American Business Act on Climate Pledge.”
Lowe’s Canada to add 14 stores

Toronto – Lowe’s Canada is in growth mode. In addition to completing the acquisition of 12 former Target sites, the company also plans to open two more locations in Ontario, which will bring its total store count to 54 from 40.
Report: Target plans solar expansion

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is reportedly planning to expand upon existing solar plans for its North Carolina store base. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, Target has added eight stores to the existing 19 stores in the state it plans to equip with rooftop solar panels.
Former eBay exec joins Ernst & Young as innovation head

New York – The changes continue at eBay. Jeff Wong, who ran eBay’s Business Incubation Group, has joined professional services firm Ernst & Young as chief innovation officer. Wong will lead Ernst & Young’s newly formed Global Innovation Team. The team will identify emerging concepts and solutions and also work to develop new technologies, strategies and solutions.
Charming Charlie looks beyond North America

Houston – Specialty retailer Charming Charlie is setting its sights beyond its North American store base. Charming Charlie opened the brand’s first locations outside of North America with two new retail stores in Dubai. The stores, located at City Centre Mirdif and Ibn Battuta Mall, are operated by Apparel Group, Charming Charlie’s first international licensing partner, which has further growth planned for the brand in Qatar this year.