OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Wal-Mart extends asset management contract with I.D. Systems
Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has extended its contract to use wireless I.D. Systems Inc. VeriWise trailer tracking and management services for its fleet or cargo trailers. The contract extension, which runs through October 2017, has a maximum aggregate value of approximately $14 million.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Focus on breach response as much as prevention
By Todd Waskelis, AT&T

Dunkin’ Donuts plans seven new Arizona stores

Canton, Mass. –- Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisees ABDD Arizona to develop seven restaurants in Phoenix. The group's first restaurant from this franchise agreement opened Oct. 27.
Report: CVS will open Boston innovation lab

Woonsokcet, R.I. -- CVS Health will reportedly open a 15,000-sq.-ft. digital innovation lab in Boston during the upcoming winter. According to BetaBoston, CVS hopes to ultimately have about 100 employees working at the center, both new hires and workers moved from the CVS headquarters in Woonsocket, R.I.
Target adds in-store navigation features to app

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. has gone live with several new in-store navigation features. The features include new interactive maps along with enhanced shopping lists and search capabilities. Leveraging Point Inside technology, Target customers can use the app to more easily build shopping lists, find product locations and determine item availability at local stores. New features include:
Brookstone names Toys ‘R Us exec as president/CEO

Merrimack, N.H. -- Brookstone Inc. will appoint senior retail executive Thomas M. Via as president and CEO, and as a member of its board of directors, effective Dec. 1. Steven H. Schwartz, who had been serving as interim CEO, will resume his role as chief merchandising officer.
Sam’s Club launches online Black Friday sale on Thanksgiving

Bentonville, Ark. –- Sam’s Club will launch its Black Friday sale online on Thursday, Nov. 27 just after midnight EST with free standard shipping on Black Friday items. Members can continue shopping in clubs starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28.
Report: Urban Decay opens first brick-and-mortar store

Newport Beach, Calif. –- Formerly pure-play online specialty cosmetics retailer Urban Decay has reportedly entered the brick-and-mortar arena. According to the Los Angeles Times, Urban Decay opened its first physical store, at the Fashion Island mall in its headquarters town of Newport Beach, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 17.
Ralphs Grocery to hire 1,200 new employees across Southern California

Los Angeles -- Ralphs Grocery Co. said it will hire to fill an estimated 1,200 permanent positions at its stores in Southern California. Ralphs currently employs more than 19,000 associates at its stores in the region.
Togo's names former IHOP and Taco Bell exec as COO

San Jose, Calif. -- West Coast sandwich operator Togo's Eateries, Inc. has named Jim Peros as its new COO, charged with overseeing all operations and the expansion of the brand's restaurants throughout the West.