OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Ranks of C-stores continue to swell
New York -- Small formats are all the rage in retail these days, so no wonder the latest data from Nielsen shows 2014 was another year of record growth.

The U.S. convenience store count increased to 152,794 stores as of Dec. 31, a nearly 1% increase from the year prior, according to the 2015 NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count.
RILA to testify at Congressional data breach hearing
Arlington, Va. - The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) will testify Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade hearing, “What are the Elements of Sound Data Breach Legislation.” In his testimony, Brian Dodge, executive VP at RILA, will focus on retailers’ priority of supporting a strong preemptive federal data breach law that allows for reasonable and clear notice triggered by potential customer harm.

Sports Authority names former Pep Boys exec as chief marketing officer

New York -- Ron Stoupa, a former Pep Boys and Bass Pro Shops marketing executive, has been appointed executive VP and chief marketing officer of, Sports Authority.

Stoupa will be responsible for leading the strategic development and oversight of the company’s marketing plans. The Englewood, Colorado-based company operates 466 locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Sears Canada makes acting CEO permanent

Toronto – The board of directors of Sears Canada Inc. has named Ronald D. Boire as president and CEO. Boire has served as the company's acting president and CEO since Oct. 15, 2014.

Prior to his role with Sears Canada, Boire was executive VP, chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart Formats, Sears Holdings Corp. Prior to joining Sears Holdings in January 2012, Boire was president and CEO at Brookstone, a position he held from October 2009.
Starbucks names former Microsoft and Juniper exec as president, COO

Seattle -- Starbucks Corp. has appointed Kevin Johnson as president and chief COO, effective March 1. He replaces the company's current COO, 23-year Starbucks veteran, Troy Alstead, who, as previously announced, will take a sabbatical beginning March 1. Over the next month, Alstead will work to immerse Johnson into his levels of responsibility as they work together to ensure a smooth transition.
Bi-Lo taps veteran Australian retailer as CEO

New York -- Bi-Lo Holdings, parent company of Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has appointed veteran Australian retail executive Ian McLeod as president and CEO, effective March 2. He succeeds Randall Onstead, who will remain in place through March 2.
Vince Camuto, designer and co-founder of Nine West, dies at 78

New York -- Women’s footwear designer Vince Camuto, who co-founded Nine West Group and then went on to establish his own successful namesake clothing and footwear business, has passed away at the age of 78. Camuto died Wednesday at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut, after a battle with cancer.

In 1978, Camuto and Jerome Fisher founded Nine West Group, which they grew into a retail powerhouse. In 1999, the company was acquired by Jones Apparel Group for nearly $900 million.
Forever 21 lights up headquarters with rooftop solar panels

Los Angeles - Forever 21 has powered up a 5.1-megawatt (DC), high-efficiency SunPower solar power system at its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. PermaCity Solar designed and installed the system.
Lowe’s to hire 30,000 spring associates

Mooresville, N.C. - Lowe's Companies Inc. plans to hire approximately 30,000 seasonal employees at its stores in the U.S. during spring, which is typically the busiest time of year in the home improvement industry. Seasonal jobs are focused on customer service and include cashiers, lawn and garden employees, loaders, and stockers.
Report: Family of comedian killed in crash settles claim with Walmart

New York -- The family of James McNair, the comedian killed in the automobile accident that also seriously injured comedian Tracy Morgan, has reached a financial settlement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc, Reuters reported.

The out-of-court settlement is the first legal resolution from the crash, which occurred on June 7, 2014, on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Terms of the settlement were confidential, according to the report, and Walmart did not admit liability in the settlement.