OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Walmart augments training with virtual reality
While the industry continues to explore how to leverage virtual reality, Walmart is embracing the technology in a big way. The retail giant will be adding VR-based instruction at its 200 Walmart Academy training centers in the United States by the end of the year. The technology will be used to educate approximately 140,000 employees that go through the program each year, according to Walmart.
Kmart targeted in data breach — again
For the second time in less than three years, Kmart was hit by a malicious hack. On Wednesday, May 31, Kmart’s parent company, Sears Holdings revealed that the chain was the victim of a security incident. The company became aware of the attack, which involved unauthorized credit card activity, following certain customer purchases made at some of its Kmart stores. Shoppers were alerted to the breach via email Wednesday evening.

Study: E-commerce fraud is declining — but the battle continues

E-commerce fraud as a percent of sales dollars may be on the decline, however losses still account for billions of dollars. This was according to the “Q1 2017 Global Fraud Index,” a report from Pymnts.com and Signifyd. The study measures and benchmarks innovations and trends that are reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem.
South African merchant improves in-store omnichannel fulfillment

Woolworths is taking steps to bolster its online shopping experience. Woolworths South Africa, a division of Woolworths Proprietary Limited, is known for its vast assortment ranging from groceries, fresh produce and prepared food to clothing, beauty products, home goods and general merchandise. As the company entered into the world of omnichannel, it knew it had to deliver easy access to its merchandise, and provide a painless experience for online customers.
Washington Spotlight: Big Wins for Retailers

As retail operators return to work this week after what was hopefully a busy Memorial Day weekend for them, they should be encouraged by some rare good news out of Washington, D.C. The industry had some big wins last week on very important issues. Republican House leaders wisely decided to remove language from the popular CHOICE Act that would have repealed the debit card swipe fee reforms the industry fought hard to pass in 2010.
Kitchenware retailer cooks up delivery service

A new partnership is helping Sur La Table take the term “farm to table” to a new level. Sur La Table is the go-to source for all things culinary — from cooking tools and kitchen gadgets to tableware. All it was missing was a way to be at their shoppers’ beck and call — and at a moment’s notice — as they prepared a stellar meal.
Office supplies giant still weighing takeover offer

Staples Inc. has rejected a buyout offer. The company turned down a takeover offer from Cerberus Capital Management, saying it was too low, Bloomberg reported. However, another private equity firm, Sycamore Partners, is still in the running to acquire Staples. The bid from Cerberus valued the retailer at more than its current market value of about $5.8 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Fast-casual chain reveals culprit of recent data breach

Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming clean about a cyber-attack that targeted the chain last month. An extensive investigation lead by leading cyber security firms, law enforcement and the payment card networks revealed that malware accessed payment card data used at point-of-sale (POS) devices at certain Chipotle and Pizzeria Locale restaurants between March 24 and April 18. Not all locations were involved, and the specific timeframes vary by location, according to the chain.
Starbucks looks to boost minority businesses, train youth in two new locations

Starbucks is keeping good on its latest national initiative. The coffee giant said it will open a store in Dallas, in spring 2018, and Trenton, New Jersey, later this year, as part of its program to invest in at least 15 underserved communities across the U.S. by 2018. To date, Starbucks has opened six similar stores, including in Ferguson, Missouri, central Phoenix, and East Baltimore.
Retailers applaud reports regarding swipe fee reform

The retail industry's two major organizations are applauding reports that the House will drop efforts to repeal debit card swipe reform.