OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

RetailNext: ‘Juno’ slams Northeast retailers
San Jose, Calif. – Homeowners stuck shoveling out more than two feet of snow were not the only ones in the Northeast negatively impacted by winter storm Juno the week of Jan. 26. Analysis from RetailNext shows that between Monday, Jan. 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, store traffic at Northeast retailers dropped 35.6% from the same three-day period the prior year.
Jones New York closing outlet stores, ending wholesale business
New York -- Jones New York announced that it will close its 127 outlet stores and discontinue its wholesale business over the course of 2015.

The company said that it made the decision after a review of recent performance and outlook. Jones also said it will pursue strategic alternatives for the brand, which has long been a staple in mid-priced department stores. Its appeal, however, faded in recent years as department stores expanded their private label offerings.

EPA recognizes Kroger for leadership in reducing food waste

Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to reduce food waste.

Kroger participated in the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge and came out on top in three categories: Leadership, Innovation, and Education and Outreach.
Neiman, Marcus, Office Depot to accept MasterPass

Purchase, N.Y. – Several major retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Office Depot, have committed to enable MasterPass to provide seamless, secure online transactions for their customers. MasterPass will soon also be available on Blue Nile, Broadway.com, Chegg, Fareportal/CheapO Air, Market America/Shop.com, and Rue La La.

MasterPass enables consumers to pay with any enrolled payment card, anywhere online or in app, using any device and eliminates the need to enter detailed payment and shipping information with every purchase.
Office Depot selects Capgemini to drive tech migration

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot Inc. is obtaining a little outside assistance with integration resulting from its merger with OfficeMax. Office Depot has selected Capgemini to drive critical technology migration and finance and accounting services resulting from the merger.
DD’s Discounts president departs

Dublin, Calif. - Doug Baker, who served as president and chief merchandising officer of Ross Stores’ DD’s Discounts division since 2011, is leaving the company. A specific reason has not been given.

The senior merchandising executives at DD’s Discounts will report to Ross executive chairman Michael Balmuth while the company conducts a search to fill this position.
Report: China criticizes Alibaba for fake merchandise

Hangzhou, China – The Chinese regulatory agency State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) has reportedly criticized Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. for not making enough effort to prevent the sale of counterfeit items on its e-commerce platform. According to the Wall Street Journal, the SAIC issued a report starting Alibaba offers insufficient product information and does not use an effective system to rank sellers.
Rite Aid to build its first new DC in 15 years

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. announced plans to build its first new distribution center in 15 years, a 900,000-sq.-ft. facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The new, $90 million center, set to open in 2016, will employ nearly 600 people after it becomes fully operational and will support the inventory and fulfillment needs of approximately 1,000 Rite Aid stores in the southeastern United States.
Report: Sears cuts 115 corporate jobs

New York -- In its ongoing efforts to reduce costs, Sears Holding Corp. is cutting jobs.

The struggling retailer will cuts 115 jobs, including 100 at its Hoffman Estates, Illinois, headquarters, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Lowe’s Canada to open 25 new stores

Toronto – Lowe’s Canada plans to open 25 new stores in Canada during the next three years. This includes three new stores set to open later this year in Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Sault Ste. Marie