OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New York — American Express has launched a new venture with Twitter, that could lead to a whole new category of shopping.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. — The Wet Seal announced that Barbara Cook, SVP store operations, has resigned from the company to accept a new professional opportunity. Cook will remain with the company until Feb. 20 to assist with transition of her responsibilities.

John Goodman, CEO of The Wet Seal, Inc., commented: “We thank Barbara for her service to the company since joining us in late 2011 and wish her all the best in her new role.”

Salt Lake City -- Overstock.com said Tuesday that chairman and CEO Patrick Byrne will take a leave of absence for medical reasons. Company president Jonathan Johnson will assume Byrne’s CEO duties during the leave, although Byrne will remain chairman of the board.

Byrne, in recent years, had undergone various procedures regarding cardiac issues that may stem from his earlier episodes of cancer, and his leave of absence is associated with these cardiac issues.

New York -- In a survey released Tuesday, Amazon.com topped America’s list of companies with great reputations, joined by Apple and Google in the top five.

The 2013 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient, which polls the general public about the reputations of the 60 most visible U.S. companies, put Amazon in the top spot for the first time, although it consistently has earned high rankings. Amazon edged out Apple, which ranked first last year and second in 2013.

Walt Disney Co., Google, and Johnson & Johnson completed the top five.

Chicago -- Claire’s Stores announced Tuesday that Sam’s Club EVP and chief merchandising officer Linda Hefner Filler has been named president of Claire’s North America, effective March 1.

Filler will report to CEO Jim Fielding and will be charged with implementing operational and strategic initiatives for Claire's in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS Caremark said Monday it has named Brian Tilzer as SVP, chief digital officer for the drugstore chain.

Tilzer, previously SVP global e-commerce for Staples, is charged with developing and leading CVS digital innovation efforts and connecting current and future digital initiatives.

Sherman Oaks, Calif. — American apparel brand Cherokee Inc. said Monday it has partnered with Chinese hypermarket chain RT Mart to launch an online Cherokee store on China’s largest e-commerce website, Tmall.com.

Cherokee will join Gap, Uniqlo, Adidas and Levi’s, who have each opened retail storefronts on Tmall.com.

Purchase, N.Y. — MasterCard Advisors, a division of MasterCard, and analytics firm Mu Sigma announced a new partnership to develop analytic products toward solving business challenges such as acquiring customers and increasing customer loyalty.

As part of the partnership, MasterCard has acquired an equity stake in Mu Sigma. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.