OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Kroger on the hunt for a COO
Cincinnati -- Kroger now finds itself in need of a COO.

In an abrupt announcement, Kroger on Tuesday said president and COO Mike Ellis has retired after 40 years with the company. The grocer said a successor will be named at a later date.
Walmart piloting product content system for suppliers — and customers
New York -- Walmart wants to keep customers better connected with supplier information.

The discounter on Monday unveiled a pilot program called the Product Content Collection System (PCCS), which is designed to provide rich, descriptive data about Walmart products from all suppliers and manufacturers, while providing the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive product information to customers. Walmart introduced the new venture on the blog of its Silicon Valley-based, technology laboratory, WalmartLabs.

Target vet joining Rite Aid’s executive ranks

Camp Hill, Pa. -- A veteran Target executive is joining Rite Aid.

The drugstore chain on Monday announced that Bryan Everett is joining Rite Aid as executive VP store operations, effective Aug. 3. He will be responsible for all operations at the company’s nearly 4,600 chainwide stores and will report to Rite Aid president and COO Ken Martindale.
Staples Canada progresses in Q1 sustainability

Toronto - Staples Canada has released its 2015 recycling objectives and first quarter update. Highlights include a plan to collect three million ink cartridges and 4,000,000 kg of electronics in 2015.

Staples Canada partners with Call2Recycle to collect and recycle batteries (rechargeable and alkaline) in every Staples store. In the first quarter, 37,111 kg of batteries were collected, an increase of 22.5% from the same quarter a year earlier. The retailer has set a goal of collecting 125,000 kg of batteries in 2015.
Bruegger’s, Jamba Juice to open nine co-branded stores

Dallas - Bruegger's Bagels and Jamba Juice are joining forces to open nine co-branded stores in the Midwest, East Coast and New England.

The partnership will launch in September 2015 with six Bruegger's Bagels bakeries and three Jamba Juice stores to begin the rollout.
Subway names 40-year veteran as president

Milford, Conn. - Suzanne Greco, who began her tenure with the Subway restaurant chain as a store associate in 1973, has been named president of the company. For 24 years, she led the research and development team.

In 2012 Greco’s responsibilities expanded when she began overseeing the operations department and her responsibilities expanded again earlier in 2015 when she began overseeing the marketing department.
C-suite shakeup at Target: Chief merchant steps down

Minneapolis -- The transformation of Target Corp. under the leadership of new CEO Brian Cornell continues with the departure of one of its top-ranking executives.

The company announced that Kathryn A. Tesija, executive VP, chief merchandising and supply chain officer will move into an “advisory role” effective July 6.
More exec changes at 99 Cents Only

New York -- Discounter 99 Cents Only has appointed a former Walmart executive as interim CFO — for the second time.

Less than a month after former Kmart executive Andy Giancamilli was named interim president and CEO, 99 Cents named Michael Fung to the role of CFO.
Dollar General names interim finance head

Goodlettsville, Tenn. - Dollar General Corp. has promoted one of its finance executives to interim CFO.

The discounter named John W. Garratt as interim CFO effective July 1. He follows David Tehle, who had previously announced his retirement in March 2015.

Garratt, who is currently the senior VP of finance and strategy, will now oversee all aspects of the company’s financial, accounting and information technology operations until a new CFO is in place.
Retailers urge Congress to make changes to heathcare act

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is calling on Congress to make “much-needed” changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The move comes in response to the Supreme Court of the United States' ruling Thursday upholding subsidies provided through ACA.