OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Amazon makes ultimate omnichannel move
Amazon’s first permanent physical store has opened in its hometown of Seattle and guess what? It looks a lot like the bookstores whose demise it facilitated.

In a letter to customers, the retailer announced the opening of the store located at 4601 26th Avenue NE in Seattle’s University Village on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Levi Strauss makes inventory connection
Levi Strauss & Co. is turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) as a solution to improve inventory visibility.

Levi’s is partnering with Intel to run a proof-of-concept of the new Intel IoT platform at three of the vertical apparel retailer’s stores. The pilot allows the Levi’s stores to gain visibility into what’s on the shelf or what might be running low. The goal is to make the process of inventory management more effective, maximizing in-stock and on-shelf availability of products.

Google delivery plans take flight
Walmart exec assumes COO spot at Brookdale

The top executive over Health and Wellness of Walmart's U.S. division is leaving to join Brookdale Senior Living as its COO.

Labeed Diab will have responsibility for all aspects of Brookdale’s operations, including community and field operations, marketing and sales.
Whole Foods Market adds Target omnichannel guru to exec ranks

Whole Foods Market is adding a Target veteran with experience in technology and omnichannel marketing to its executive leadership team.

The grocery retailer announced that it has named Don J. Clark global VP of purchasing for non-perishables.

“He is a proven leader in the retail industry with a clear track record of delivering results. His core values align very well with our company’s, and we are confident that Don will execute a range of innovative strategies that help take our non-perishables business to the next level.”
99 Cents Only Stores has a new CFO

99 Cents Only Stores has appointed a new CFO who has been a veteran retail leader for Kroger and Albertsons.
AutoZone updates leadership for growth

AutoZone is making some changes to its leadership as the company positions itself for growth and expansion.

The company announced the following promotions:

• Phil Daniele, VP, Commercial Support, promoted to senior VP, commercial
• Bill Hackney, VP, merchandise pricing & analysis, promoted to senior VP, merchandising
• Jim Griffith, VP, store development promoted to senior VP, store operations
• Rod Halsell, VP, distribution promoted to senior VP, supply chain
Costco adds more digital expertise to board

For the second time in less than a month, Costco has elected a veteran of the telecommunications industry to serve on the retailer's board of directors.

Costco announced that John W. Stanton, chairman of Trilogy International Partners, Inc., and Trilogy Equity Partners, has been elected to Costco's board. Stanton founded and served as chairman and CEO of Western Wireless Corporation, a wireless telecommunications company, from 1992 until shortly after its acquisition by ALLTEL Corporation in 2005.
Why Retailers Should Recruit a Chief Omnichannel Officer Now

Thanks to modern technology and digital tools, the opportunities to interact with and buy from a brand today are ubiquitous. Customers want to shop anytime, anywhere. Omnichannel rules, and smart retailers are getting on board.
Winn-Dixie bets on lower prices to draw shoppers

Southeastern Grocers on Thursday announced a significant pricing initiative that addresses exactly what customers need: a $40 million investment into permanent lower prices on the products Winn-Dixie customers buy the most.

Customers stated in a recent survey that “affordable prices” was the most important requirement from a grocery store, so Winn-Dixie is introducing a New Regular Pricing Program that will permanently reduce the prices on more than 1,500 grocery items at all 518 Winn-Dixie stores.