OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

SAP Retail Forum: Target, Loblaw keep up with changing customer needs
Two leading retailers highlighted different aspects of their digital customer experience efforts at the recent SAP Retail Forum in Miami.

Keri Stelle, director, Target Technology Services, said Target Corp. is trying to modify its entire corporate culture to respond to changing needs of the new digital customer in a session titled, “Who is the Evolving Target Guest?”

“It’s not just about Mom anymore,” said Stelle. “Today, the entire family wields influence over the retail purchase.”
A retail holiday hiring scorecard
Before retailers compete for holiday sales they are competing for seasonal talent that will have a big impact on their performance. Here’s a look at whose hiring season help and how many positions are being filled.

Managing a Global Supply Chain in an Omnichannel World

As omnichannel and e-commerce-only stores have exploded in popularity, delivery timescales and costs have become a key differentiator for retailers. In parallel, advancements in supply chain technology created new opportunities for retailers to make more informed decisions about shipping operations to protect and increase margins.
SAP Retail Forum: Harry & David receives warehouse management gift

Having two of something is not always better than one, especially when it comes to warehouse management systems.

“We wanted to provide the quickest means to manufacture and fulfill orders in the most cost-effective manner,” said Heather Bothern, manager of SAP applications for Harry & David, during a session at the recent SAP Retail Forum in Miami. “We needed full visibility of all materials in all locations.”
A new look for fresh merchandising at Walmart

The produce department at Walmart is about to take on the appealing look of a country market thanks to a new supply chain and merchandising solution.

Walmart plans to begin using a new style of wood grain reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for wet and dry produce such as apples, potatoes, onions and citrus items.
What the future of product safety looks like

Shoppers will take for granted that the products they buy are safe this holiday season, but behind scenes it requires a tremendous amount of effort to deliver on that expectation. Join Walmart, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and ICIX for a look at what’s next in the world of product safety during an upcoming webinar on Nov. 13 at 1 p.m., EST.
Staples founder Tom Stemberg dies

One of the retail industry’s true innovators, Staples co-founder Tom Stemberg, passed away on Friday at the age of 66. 

Stemberg, who died at home after a two-year battle with gastric cancer, was considered the father of the office superstore format. With the backing of Bain Capital and its co-founder, Mitt Romney, he co-founded Staples in 1986, and went on to lead the company through a period of rapid growth to dominate the office products industry.
Lululemon restructures executive team

Lululemon Athletica’s chief product officer has left the company and other key executives are in new roles as the company looks to increase innovation and execute a 10 year vision.

The operator of 336 stores named expanded the responsibilities of CFO Stuart Haselden and he now adds the title of executive VP of operations. Haselden joined the company early this year after serving as CFO of J. Crew. The company has also initiated a search to fill the newly created position of chief supply chain officer.
Gap exec rejoins company as board member

Veteran apparel retailer Tracy Gardner will join the Gap Inc. board, effective Nov. 11.

Gap has relied on Gardner on multiple occasions the past 25 years as an employee and advisor. Gardner worked at the company from 1991 to 1994 in various creative roles and from 1998 to 2004 in senior leadership positions, including head of Gap adult merchandising. This past year she served as an advisor to the Gap brand and functioned in a similar role in 2012.
Report: Jeff Bezos goes shopping at Costco

Costco Wholesale has sold an airplane hanger to Poplar Glen, the limited liability company owned by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, the Puget Sound Business Journal reported. Bezos owns two airplanes, including a recently acquired Gulfstream, according to the report. [Puget Sound Business Journal]