OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New York  -- For the third consecutive year,  Subway came out on top on BrandIndex’s annual ranking of the most buzzed about U.S. brands. The BrandIndex Buzz Rankings compares “Buzz” scores for nearly 1,100 brands across 41 categories  to reveal the brands with the most positive Buzz in 2012.  

Subway had a Buzz score of 40.3. Online giant  Amazon came in at number two for the second year in a row, with a score of  36.8  Lowe’s was fifth, with a score of 32.7.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s on Monday announced a series of changes to its senior executive leadership team, effective immediately. The changes include the creation of the newly-created role of chief omni-channel officer, which will be filled by Robert B. Harrison, previously Macy’s EVP for omni-channel strategy. Harrison, who will join the company’s executive committee, will report directly to Macy’s chief executive Terry Lundgren.
 

Mississauga, Ontario -- Target officially unveiled its partners, owned brands and limited-time only collections that will be featured in its Canadian stores, which will  start opening in March/April 2013.

In addition to Target's ongoing partnerships, the Canadian stores will include an exclusive, limited-time only collaboration with Roots. The new Roots Outfitters collection for Target will offer fashion for women, men, boys, girls and toddlers, and will be available from March to June 2013.

Carson, Calif. -- A Friday report by the Associated Press said that the home of Los Angeles’ professional soccer team will likely be getting a new name.

The Home Depot Center, which also includes facilities for tennis, track and field, baseball, basketball and other sports, as well as serves as an official training site for U.S. Olympians, is nearing the end of the $70 million, 10-year naming rights period, and Home Depot spokeswoman Jean Niemi told AP that the retailer does not plan to renew the deal.

New York -- The National Father’s Day Council, a nonprofit that recognizes modern day role model fathers, has named Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO of Macy’s Inc., as a recipient of its 2013 “Father of the Year” Award.

Lundgren joins President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, as a fellow honoree. The awards will be presented at the 72nd Annual Father of the Year Awards in New York City on June 11.

New York -- Mexican supermarket and restaurant operator Gigante has entered into a joint venture with Petco Animal Supplies to open at least 50 stores in Mexico and other Latin American countries over seven years, Reuters reported.

The first two Petco stores will open this year in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Gigante said in a release to the stock exchange.

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. Inc. said Thursday it has named Michael Jones chief merchandising officer, effective immediately. Jones was previously president of the North American and Latin American divisions of Husqvarna, an outdoor equipment manufacturer.

The retailer also announced that Stephen J. Szilagyi has been promoted to supply chain executive, from his current position as SVP distribution.

New York -- Ann Inc. said Thursday that actress Kate Hudson will continue her role as the face of Ann Taylor for its spring and summer 2013 campaigns.

However, said the retailer, this year Hudson's role will grow as both a design influence and charitable ambassador as well. For the summer collection, she will be developing a capsule collection for the brand. In addition, Hudson will join the Advisory Council for the company's ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative, a program that supports the empowerment of young women.