OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

GameStop not playing around with payments
Grapevine, Texas -- GameStop, which has long been known as an innovative company, has become one of the first major retailers to accept Google's new mobile payment system.
Former Sears exec back on familiar ground
Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Michael McCarthy spent 28 years at Sears Holdings before leaving the company in 2011, but now he is back in new senior level role at the Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores.

In 2012, Sears Holding spun off the Hometown and Outlet division, which is now the operator of 1,215 hardware, appliance and outlet stores and a separate publicly held company.

NRF seeks reversal of joint employer ruling

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is not backing down from its opposition to an expanded definition of “joint employer.”

The NRF is publicly asking Congress to pass legislation introduced this week that would reverse a recent National Labor Relations Board ruling that significantly broadens the definition of a joint employer.

According to the NRF, the move would unfairly make companies that work with franchise locations or subcontractors responsible for actions they do not control.
99 Cents adds another top exec to its ranks

New York -- In another indication of its growth aspirations, 99 Cents Only named a former high ranking Kroger executive president and CEO. The hiring comes just months after the retailer tapped former Walmart executives to fill the head merchant and CFO roles at the 389-store retailer.

Former Kroger and Procter & Gamble executive Geoffrey Covert, 64, was named president and CEO at 99 Cents Only on Sept. 11, filling a position that had been held on an interim basis the past four months by board chairman Andrew Giancamilli.
After 20 years, Target ends ties with major apparel supplier

New York -- As Target Corp. continues its transformation under CEO Brian Cornell, news came out that the retailer is not renewing its contract with licensed apparel company Cherokee.

Dependent on Target for 43% of its revenue, Cherokee Global Brand saw its market value obliterated after it disclosed Target would not renew the decades-old relationship.
The Shopper ‘Journey’ is Actually a Minefield

The more we learn about real-world customer experiences, the more we see that we've been horribly naive about the role that mobile devices play in shoppers' lives.
Big wage increase approved for fast-food workers in New York

New York -- The administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved a wage increase that will gradually raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers in New York to $15 an hour. And now Cuomo wants the hike to be even broader.

Speaking Thursday at a labor rally in New York City, Cuomo proposed a $15 minimum statewide wage for all industries, with the increase to be enacted over time. It would give the Empire State the highest statewide minimum wage in the country. New York’s minimum wage is now $8.75 an hour.
Kroger makes four big senior leadership changes

Cincinnati — Kroger on Thursday announced the appointment of four executive VPs to lead key lines of business.
Apple Pay has a new big name competitor

Mountain View, Calif. – Apple Pay has a new rival, and it’s a formidable one.

In its second take on mobile payments, Google is officially releasing its Android Pay digital payment solution to users of Android devices in the U.S.
Circle K vet joins Andronico’s as CFO

Berkeley, Calif. - Cheryl Hughes has joined Andronico’s Community Markets as CFO. Recently appointed CEO Suzy Monford leads the all-female team.

Hughes formerly held the role of controller for Chemoil, a global oil trading organization. Prior to this role she was CFO at Pacific Convenience & Fuels based in Pleasanton. Her career in food and retail dates back to her 15-year stint as director of U.S. Finance with Circle K Stores Inc.