OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Kohl’s to keep stores open Dec. 19-24
Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Consumers who want to shop at odd hours to avoid dealing with holiday crowds will have plenty of opportunities at Kohl’s. Kohl’s Department Stores will keep its doors open for more than 100 hours straight from 6 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 through 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24.
NRF: Imports will slow in December as holiday rush ends
Washington, D.C. - Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to continue to slow down in December. According to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, import volume at U.S. ports covered by the Global Port Tracker report is expected to total 1.37 million containers this month as the holiday shipping cycle winds down.

Shake-up at Francesca’s; company taps former Signet Jewelers chief as CEO, chairman

Houston — In its surprise change of leadership, Francesca's Holdings Corp. named Michael W. Barnes as chairman, president and CEO, effective immediately. He joins Fancesca's after serving as CEO of Signet Jewelers since 2011, and leading the company’s $1.46 billion acquisition of Zale Corp. Barnes left the Ohio-based Signet in October, saying he wanted to be closer to his family in Dallas.
Five Below names COO and retail veteran Joel Anderson as CEO

Philadelphia — Specialty retailer Five Below named current COO and industry veteran Joel Anderson as president and CEO, effective Feb.1., 2015. Anderson has also been elected a member of the company's board of directors. Current CEO and co-founder, Tom Vellios, who will work with Anderson to ensure a smooth transition, will remain active in the company as executive chairman.
Best Buy says goodbye to China stores

Minneapolis – While some retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores, are ramping up their store presence in China, Best Buy Co. is pulling up stakes. The consumer electronics chain has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its Five Star business to the Jiayuan Group, a China-based real estate firm.
Walgreens names Claire’s, Wal-Mart vet as merchandising head

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreen Co. has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer, effective Jan. 1. Filler will be responsible for the vision, leadership, strategic direction and performance of all Walgreens merchandising activities.
Stratford Square Mall fights crime with Axis Network Cameras

CHELMSFORD, Mass. - Chicago-area Stratford Square Mall is relying on Axis Communications’ network cameras to protect public safety and minimize shoplifting during the holiday shopping season. Along with an increase in sales, the holiday season can also bring an increase in merchandise shrink, adding more incentive for mall managers to have eyes throughout the facility.
Report – Wal-Mart to eliminate 250 China jobs, open nine new stores in China

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart reportedly plans to improve efficiency in its China operation by eliminating 250 jobs, and also open nine new stores and a new distribution center in China by the end of 2014. According to Bloomberg, the positions that will be cut are mostly marketing and merchandising roles, along with some cuts in departments including tax and asset protection.
Amazon deploys robot armies in new-gen fullfillment centers

Seattle - Santa may have his elves, but Amazon.com has something better to help send holiday gifts on their way: a robot army. The online giant has deployed more than 15,000 robots in 10 next-generation fulfillment centers it has opened across the United States.
Staples makes shipping easier, cheaper

Framingham, Mass. – Staples Inc. aims to make shipping both cheaper and easier for frazzled shoppers this holiday season. Staples is offering 20% off shipping services through Dec. 23 with coupon, and an expanded selection of packaging and shipping supplies.