OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New York -- Canada’s Loblaw Cos. announced a series of executive appointments, including the naming of Mark Butler as executive VP integration.

In the newly created role, Butler will take on responsibility for planning the integration of Shoppers Drug Mart, while ensuring it remains an independent division. He has 37 years with Loblaw, and most recently was executive VP conventional division.

Columbus, Ohio – Big Lots, Inc. has joined the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as full board members.

"We are honored to join the distinguished and diverse group of directors who comprise NACD's full board members," said Philip E. Mallott, chairman of the board at Big Lots. "The resources, insights, and connections NACD offers will be valuable assets to our company as we continue to strengthen our corporate governance practices."

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Co., Inc. will reportedly hire about 35,000 seasonal workers for the upcoming holiday season. According to Reuters, holiday workers will help perform tasks such as assisting customers and updating price signage.

J.C. Penney also hired about 35,000 seasonal employees during the 2011 holiday season. The retailer did not release holiday hiring figures last year.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys ‘R’ Us is opening Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy, gear and more.

New York -- The board of directors of Tiffany & Co. has appointed Frederic Cumenal to the position of president of Tiffany & Co. and also appointed him to a newly created seat on the company’s board. Cumenal, 54, who has been with Tiffany in a regional executive role since March 2011, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for the design, merchandising and marketing functions.

Toronto – Sears Canada CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned to take a position with an unnamed international company. The retailer named COO and executive VP Douglas C. Campbell as president and CEO.

As COO, Campbell was responsible for retail store operations, logistics, replenishment, IT, corporate procurement, and international sourcing. Prior to joining Sears, Campbell was a principal with Boston Consulting Group and also an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Fremont, Calif. – The Men's Wearhouse has extended its exclusive relationship with David's Bridal. The amendment to the current contract extends the partnership by five years with the option to extend for an additional five years.

"Our relationship with David's Bridal has been an important part of our tuxedo marketing plan since 2007,” said Doug Ewert, Men's Wearhouse president and CEO. “We are excited to extend this valuable partnership and enhance our co-marketing programs to continue providing superior wedding services."

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart is launching its first-ever original reality series developed for the web. The new weekly web series highlights 20 finalists in the Walmart Get on the Shelf contest, which lets entrepreneurs present products to Walmart customers.