OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New Delhi -- An Indian official said Thursday that India’s Cabinet will investigate allegations that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. broke rules as it lobbied to make its retail market debut in the country.

According to Manish Tewari, information and broadcasting minister for India, the cabinet has authorized a retired judge to look into Wal-Mart’s lobbying disclosures and investigate whether any of the retailer’s activities broke Indian law.
     

Chicago -- There were 4,442 more restaurants in the U.S. in fall 2012 than there were in fall 2011, according to a recent U.S. restaurant census conducted by The NPD Group.

The total number of U.S. restaurants is now 616,008, a .7% increase over last year, based on NPD’s Fall 2012 ReCount, which is a count of commercial restaurant locations in the United States compiled in the spring and fall each year.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s announced that it plans to hire 45,000 seasonal workers at its U.S. stores, 13% more than a year earlier, and add 9,000 permanent part-time employees as the housing rebound spurs remodeling.

The permanent part-time positions include store associates focused on direct interaction and expertise for customers. Employees in the permanent positions will be scheduled to work during peak weekday shopping times.

Schenectady, N.Y. -- Price Chopper Supermarkets/Golub Corp. announced that Sam Wagar has been promoted to the position of VP technical services, reporting directly to R. Gregory Zeh, Jr., VP Information Systems, CIO.

In his new position, Sam will be responsible for assessing, maintaining and recommending technology products and services to support the delivery of enterprise-wide technical services. He will oversee the corporate help desk, technical maintenance, technical operations, technical services and information integration.

New York -- Pervasive computing, the ability to digitally engage and interact (via your mobile devices) with enabled objects around you, ranks among the top technology trend that will impact businesses this year, according to PwC’s just released “2013 Top 10 Technology Trends for Business” report.

Phoenix -- PetSmart on Tuesday announced its planned management succession plan. The company said that following its annual shareholders meeting on June 14, 2013, current president and COO David K. Lenhardt will be promoted to CEO and simultaneously join the board of directors. At that time, current chairman and CEO Bob Moran will vacate the CEO's chair and become executive chairman.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. announced a $2 million donation to Discovery World in Milwaukee, over three years to continue support for Kohl’s Design It!, an educational program allowing kids to use advanced technology to turn design into reality. The donation comes from the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program which sells special merchandise, including plush toys and books, and donates 100% of the net profit to benefit children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.

Hartford, Conn. -- SCIO Health Analytics, a health analytics services company, has entered into a relationship with Walgreens to help employers gain maximum return on investment through worksite health centers and wellness programs, identifying opportunities to improve workforce health while also reducing costs.