OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Sunbury, Pa. — Weiss Markets named Jonathan Weis as president and CEO. Weis, 46, will also retain his role as vice chairman of the chain.

Weis has been serving as the company’s interim CEO since David Hepfinger departed in September. He is the son of Robert F. Weis, who remains chairman of Weis Markets.


 

Dallas — The Container Store Group Inc. has launched its Employee First Fund, an employee assistance fund that will provide grants to employees experiencing unforeseen emergencies, a major medical situation, are suffering from a catastrophic event, or facing other challenges in life which they are not financially prepared to handle. The Container Store is contributing $100,000 to kick-off the fund, and after that, employees and other stakeholders have the opportunity to make donations.

Plano, Texas — J. C. Penney Company, Inc. has named Ed Record executive VP and CFO, effective March 24. He will succeed Ken Hannah, who will remain CFO through that date to ensure a smooth transition.

As CFO, Record will be responsible for the financial operations of the company. He will report to Myron E. (Mike) Ullman III, CEO of J.C. Penney, and join the company`s executive board.

Washington, D.C. — Consumers leveled off post-holiday shopping and spending in the beginning of the year due in part to severe winter weather in much of the country. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), January 2014 retail sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, were flat seasonally adjusted month-to-month, yet increased 3% unadjusted year-over-year.

Chicago — Consumers reportedly are not willing to pay higher fees for Amazon Prime subscription service. According to the Wall Street Journal, a recent survey of 300 current Amazon Prime members from research firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners indicates fewer than half of members would renew their subscription at a higher cost.

Bentonville, Ark. — Wal-Mart is reportedly halting its Indian expansion plans, at least for now. According to the Financial Times, Wal-Mart has not opened any new cash-and-carry stores in India since October 2013 or any new convenience stores there since November 2013.

Washington, D.C. - The Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), a trade association of closed loop gift card retailers committed to promoting and protecting the use of gift cards, has appointed Mary Donovan, account director Kellen Company as the new executive director. Kellen Company has been named the association's management firm.

In addition, the RGCA has named Nicole Willis of Groupon and Erin Wood of Subway to the board of directors. They will be filling vacant board positions left by their respective companies.

Charlotte, N.C. – Family Dollar Stores Inc. has renewed its in-store merchandising services contract with SPAR Group Inc. for two years. SPAR Group has been servicing Family Dollar Stores since 2012 across more than 8,000 locations.

SPAR Group has completed various merchandising service programs including schematic resets, revisions, item cut-ins, returns, audits and recalls across nearly all categories including grocery, pet, party, household & chemical and paper goods.