OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

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.
Report: Entrance greeters back at some Walmart stores
New York -- Greeters are back on the job welcoming entering shoppers at select Walmart stores, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The chain moved most of its greeters away from the entrance and to other areas of the stores several years ago. But it has returned the associates to the entrances in several hundred stores in a move that is partially designed to stop theft, the report said.

Trans World parent company names new merchandising chief

Albany, N.Y. - Scott Hoffman has been named chief merchandising officer of Trans World Entertainment Corp., owner of the FYE music/video/video game chain. In his new role, Hoffman will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of merchandising strategy.
Are retailers ready for Federal regulations on drones? Amazon is.

New York -- Federal regulations governing unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, will be in place by this time next year.

Most retailers won’t be ready, but Amazon says it will be as soon as the feds are. Testifying at a congressional hearing on June 17, Paul Misener, Amazon.com’s VP of global public policy told lawmakers it would be ready to deliver packages via its service branded as Prime Air as soon as federal rules are in place.
Smart & Final launches Instacart delivery

Los Angeles – Discount grocery retailer Smart & Final is offering on-demand Instacart delivery to customers in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas. Delivery assortment encompasses Smart & Final’s full store offering, including club-sized items to stock households and offices.

Delivery will occur in as little as one hour and match Smart & Final’s normal in-store prices, excluding special offers.
One of world’s largest retailers looking for a CEO

New York -- One of the world’s largest retailers has undertaken a search is underway for a new CEO to execute a massive transformation. But getting to the interview will require U.S. executives to take a very long flight and the successful applicant will need good listening skills to decipher the accent of co-workers.
Anthropologie veteran joins West Elm

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Home furnishings retailer West Elm has named Johanna Uurasjarvi as senior VP of design, responsible for guiding the overall creative direction of the West Elm brand across its retail, catalog and online channels. She will lead the product design team and report to West Elm president Jim Brett.
Lumber Liquidators promotes marketing head, cuts merchandising chief

Toano, Va. – The executive shakeup continues at Lumber Liquidators as the company integrates the leadership of its merchandising and marketing departments. Marco Q. Pescara, the company's chief marketing officer since 2006, has been promoted to serve as chief merchandising and marketing officer effective June 19.

Pescara will lead the company's marketing and merchandising functions. The employment of William K. Schlegel, current chief merchandising officer, will be terminated effective June 19.
Pep Boys names Hertz veteran as CEO

Philadelphia — The Pep Boys: Manny, Moe & Jack named Hertz Corp. veteran Scott P. Sider, 54, as its new CEO, effective June 15. He most recently served as group president of Hertz Corporation’s largest division, Rent A Car Americas, with over 3,200 locations.

The announcement comes more than eight months after Pep Boys CEO Michael Odell resigned on the heels of disappointing second quarter earnings.
German grocer Lidl prepares for U.S. expansion, to open headquarters in Virginia

Neckarlsum, Germany — Another German supermarket retailer has its sights set on the United States: Discount grocer Lidl on Friday announced it is establishing a U.S. corporate headquarters, in Arlington County, Va. The move comes as rival Aldi contines to aggressively expand throughout the United States.