OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Ann Inc. forecasts declining sales; assesses supply chain
New York-- Ann Inc. is forecasting declining sales for the fiscal third and fourth quarter and full year 2014. The company is also launching a comprehensive, end-to-end assessment of its supply chain to identify opportunities to enhance profitability, with a focus on speed, flexibility, improving product sell-through and reducing the cost of goods sold.
Gap expanding footprint in China; testing virtual wall technology
San Francisco -- Gap Inc. reported that it will surpass 100 Gap branded stores across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on Nov. 8 when the brand opens a location in Guangzhou. The milestone--reached less than four years after the first Gap store debuted in 2010--includes Gap and Gap Outlet stores.

Report: Wal-Mart to reappoint Price as Asia CEO

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly reappointing Scott Price as president and CEO of its Asia business. According to Bloomberg, Wal-Mart will let Price, who previously held the position from 2009 until June 2014, work from the retailer’s U.S. headquarters.
New York & Company names Kohl’s veteran as president, COO

New York -- New York & Company announced that John Worthington has joined the company as president and COO, effective immediately. Worthington will lead the company’s store operations, real estate, outlets, finance, IT, sourcing and logistics areas.
Survey: Breaches don’t change consumer behavior

Bedford, Mass. -- Almost 50% of consumers have fallen victim to at least one data breach and 45% say they are not confident they know all instances of when their personal information has been leaked. However, according to a survey conducted by RSA, the security division of EMC, in conjunction with the Ponemon Institute of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, in many cases behaviors toward security have not changed.
Foot Locker CEO Ken Hicks to retire; COO to assume role

New York -- Foot Locker Inc. announced that, as part of a planned succession process, Ken Hicks, 61, intends to retire as president and CEO of the company on Dec. 1, 2014. Hicks, a highly-regarded retail veteran who has been wooed by other retailers for the top spot, will be succeeded as president and CEO by COO Richard (Dick) A. Johnson, 56, who has been with Foot Locker for almost two decades.
WinCo opens two new stores Nov. 6

Boise, Idaho-- WinCo Foods LLC will open two new stores on Thursday, Nov. 6. One store will open in Lewiston, Idaho and one will open in North Richland Hills, Texas. The Lewiston store is 59,400-sq.-ft. in size and will initially employ about 100 individuals, 90 of whom have been hired locally.
Sally Beauty shuffles board membership

Denton, Texas -- Martha J. Miller is retiring from the board of directors of Sally Beauty Holdings Inc., effective Nov. 3, 2014. Miller has served on the board since SBH became an independent public company in 2006.
Starbucks to offer delivery service in 2015

Seattle -– Starbucks Corp. is planning to launch a coffee delivery service in select U.S cities in 2015, the company said during its quarterly investors’ conference call on Oct. 30. The new service will be available to loyalty program members using the chain’s new mobile app. Starbucks gave few specific details about the service, but the new app, allowing users to order and pay for items, will launch in Portland in December and in other U.S. markets in 2015.
Walmart holiday plans include reduced prices on 20,000 products, free shipping on hot items

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart is upping the ante on holiday shopping. The chain announced that, starting Saturday, Nov. 1, it will reduce prices on more than 20,000 items. Walmart is also launching its holiday promotions on the first weekend in November to get a jump on what is expected to be a highly competitive selling season.