OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Accenture to acquire consulting firm Kurt Salmon
Accenture, a global professional services company, has entered into an agreement to acquire Kurt Salmon, a global strategy consulting firm focused on the retail industry. The acquisition will expand Accenture Strategy’s capabilities in delivering strategy consulting services to retailers and private equity firms in a world disrupted by digital. 
New England retailer closing stores early for presidential debate
The CEO of Jordan’s Furniture wants folks to watch the upcoming presidential debate, which is scheduled for Sept. 26 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EST.

Discounter in more store closings

Kmart continues to shrink. The chain is closing another 64 stores, Marketwatch.com reported. The latest round of closings are in addition to a decision by Kmart parent Sears Holdings Corp. last April to close 68 Kmart stores this year, the report said. Kmart operated 941 stores as of Jan. 30, meaning it has now announced plans to close about 14% of its locations.
Report: EU consumers eye returns before even buying

European consumers seem to be taking the adage, “buyer beware” very literally.

Unsure whether their online purchase will satisfy their needs until it actually arrives, 54% of shoppers reported they think about returning an item before they have even purchased it. And this mindset runs the gamut from decisions about apparel and electrical goods to home decor and furniture, according to “Making Money Out of Returns: The Essential Guide to Managing International Returns,” a report from fulfillment provider B2C Europe.
Holiday Uptime: Preparing Your Network for the Holiday Rush
Starbucks CEO takes a stand in presidential race

If any retail CEO is going to endorse a candidate in this year’s presidential race, Howard Schultz would certainly rank at the top of the list.
Dick’s Sporting Goods acquires team business tech firm

Back in January, Dick’s Sporting Goods launched Team Sports HQ in an effort to capture the nation’s lucrative youth sports league business. Today the company announced the purchase of the tech to get it there.
Why is Target spending $20 million on restrooms?

Target Corp. is taking action to put an end to the controversy that erupted in the wake of its transgender bathroom decision. The retailer will spend $20 million to ensure that each of its stores have a single-occupancy, unisex bathroom by next year, MarketWatch reported.
Another first for Amazon

In its ongoing quest to speed up delivery for its customers, Amazon has unveiled its first “Prime Air” branded delivery plane. The plane is a Boeing 767-300, owned and operated by Atlas Air, that has been converted into a freighter. Named Amazon One, the plane is one of 40 that Amazon has agreed to lease through air cargo partners Atlas and ATSG.
Academy Sports names Walmart’s Gloeckler as merchandising chief

Top Walmart executive Michelle Gloeckler, who landed 38th on Fortune’s list of most powerful women last year, will leave Bentonville to take over as executive VP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors.