OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

OSHA Provides Direction for Retailers on Transgender Employee Restrooms
A federal agency recently issued important guidance on a question some retail store executives may never have considered — how to handle restroom access for transgender employees.

In its Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers, published June 1, OSHA staked out a clear position: Employees should have access to restrooms based on their inward gender identity, not on the employer’s opinion as to which restroom they should use. Earlier this year, EEOC issued similar language.
Retailers support liability protection for cyber threat data sharing
Arlington, Va. – The nation’s leading retail associations have joined together supporting legislation to combat cyber threats.

Albertsons Safeway exec takes top spot at BevMo!

Concord, Calif. -- It’s changing of the guard time at the 157-store BevMo!.

BevMo! announced that Dimitri Haloulos has been appointed CEO, effective Sept. 1. Haloulos, who joined Albertsons Safeway in 2011 and most recently served as senior VP of Own Brands, has spent his career in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail space as an executive in sales, marketing and research across a number of global brands
J.C. Penney revs up omnichannel efforts with Home Depot, Target exec hires

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney nabbed a key executive from Home Depot and also one from Target Corp. as it seeks to maximize the power, reach and integration of its omnichannel efforts.

The department store retailer named Michael Amend, former VP of online, mobile and omnichannel for Home Depot, to the position of executive VP of omnichannel effective immediately. He fills a position previously held by Mike Rodgers who left the company.
Retail’s (Sales) Force Awakens for Holiday

The idea of pure play retail has evaporated. Retail’s continuing transformation and complex landscape now centers on the convergence of digital and physical channels, otherwise known as “digical.” The industry can no longer talk about analytics in isolation anymore – the shopper’s journey is channel-agnostic and retailers are in catch-up mode.
Rite Aid creates new CEO position

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Ken Martindale, one of the key architects behind Rite Aid's recent growth, on Monday was promoted to the new position of CEO Rite Aid stores.

The move is designed to enable Rite Aid chairman and CEO John Standley to focus on expanding the role the drug store plays in healthcare delivery with its EnvisionRx, RediClinic and Health Dialog divisions.

Martindale, 55, will continue to report to Standley and will retain his role as president of Rite Aid.
Company veteran returns to lead restructured Rockport

Canton, Mass. -- A Rockport veteran is returning to head up the company he left more than 30 years ago.

On Monday, investment firm Berkshire Partners and New Balance Holding completed their acquisition of The Rockport Company from the Adidas Group. As part of the transaction, New Balance affiliate Drydock Footwear will join with Rockport to form The Rockport Group. Bob Infantino was named CEO of the reorganized company.
Sporting goods giant targets women with new format

Pittsburgh – Who said women don’t like sports? Dick’s Sporting Goods certainly never said so.

Dick’s is launching Chelsea Collective, a specialty women's fitness and lifestyle boutique. The first two Chelsea Collective locations will open in August 2015 in Tysons Corner, Virginia at Tysons Corner Center and Pittsburgh at Ross Park Mall.
Bass Pro Shops has no trouble attracting shoppers

Tampa, Fla. -- The power of Bass Pro Shops’ brand of retail was evident at the company’s newest store opening this week, in Brandon, Florida. The store is the company’s 10th in the Sunshine State and features 130,000 sq. ft. of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and nature-themed gifts.

Shoppers were undeterred by a massive traffic jam and a lack of parking, which forced some grand opening attendees to walk nearly a mile for a look inside.
Foot Locker taps Target digital exec as CIO

New York -- Foot Locker has named a digital head from Target Corp. to head up its technology efforts.

The specialty athletic retailer named Pawan Verma as senior VP and CIO, effective Aug. 10. He joins Foot Locker from Target, where he has worked since 2013, most recently serving as VP, digital and marketing technologies and services platforms.

Verma succeeds Peter Brown, who retired in April after 38 years with the company.