OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

GS1 launches supply chain data quality framework
Lawrenceville, N.J. - GS1 US has published a GS1 US National Data Quality Program framework, which outlines the key components to help companies establish and sustain effective data quality programs based on GS1 standards. The framework offers detailed information about the assessment criteria and scoring for the three pillars of data quality: data governance process, education and training protocol, and attribute audit.
PwC study: Retail CEOs worry about shifting consumer habits, IT
New York – Retail CEOs have a lot of worries on their minds. According to a new survey of CEOs from PwC, 74% of retail CEOs are nervous about shifting consumer spending patterns, and 59% are nervous about the disruptive potential of new distribution channels. Nearly half (47%) are nervous about the pace at which technology is evolving.

Walmart, Walmart Foundation gives $16 million in grants for worker training

Washington, D.C. -- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announce an initial investment of $16 million to seven national nonprofit organizations, as part of a new Opportunity initiative, a $100 million commitment to help increase the economic mobility of entry level workers in retail and adjacent sectors. The $100 million commitment was first announced last week by Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon, in conjunction with the roll out of new opportunities and enhanced benefits for Walmart associates.
Amazon hires Obama’s former press secretary as a senior VP

New York -- Jay Carney, former White House press secretary for the Obama administration and current CNN analyst, has been appointed senior VP of worldwide corporate affairs for Amazon, effective March 2. The newly created position brings Amazon’s worldwide public relations and public policy shops into one department under Carney.

The news was first reported by Politico, which noted that Carney will leave CNN and divide his time between the online retail giant’s headquarters in Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Stein Mart to open 11 stores in 2015

Jacksonville, Fla. - Stein Mart is opening 11 new stores this year as part of the company's accelerated store growth that began in 2014. The new stores include the company's March opening of the first-ever San Francisco Bay area location in Cupertino, California, and 10 additional stores opening in the fall.

This is an increase from the company's earlier estimate of 10 new stores for 2015 announced in November. In 2014, Stein Mart opened nine new stores.
Survey: Three in 10 consumers have chip-based credit cards

Austin, Texas - The credit card industry is lagging behind its own deadline to get more secure microchip-enabled credit cards into consumers’ wallets by October 2015. According to a new survey from CredtCards.com, just three out of every 10 U.S. credit cardholders have a chip card.

The adoption rate is significantly higher among high net worth cardholders, but at 49%, it still means more than half of the richest Americans ($100,000 or more in investable assets) lack chip-based card security.
Wendy’s adds former Microsoft marketing head to board

Dublin, Ohio - The Wendy's Co. has increased the size of its board of directors from 10 to 11 members and elected Michelle "Mich" Mathews-Spradlin to serve as a director of the company, effective immediately.

Prior to her retirement in 2011, Mathews-Spradlin worked at Microsoft Corp. for 18 years, where she served, among other roles, as chief marketing officer and senior VP. In this position, she oversaw the company's global marketing function.
Kohl's ups premium beauty products mix in deal with Bliss

New York -- Kohl’s is joining the army of retailers focusing on the high-margin beauty category by adding an upscale skin-care brand to its assortment.
Long John Silver’s names Sonic brand exec CEO

Louisville, Ky. - Long John Silver's has named James O'Reilly as CEO. O'Reilly brings to the role more than 20 years of food service executive experience, including his most recent stint as chief brand officer for Sonic Drive-In.

In addition, O'Reilly has served in a variety of domestic and international leadership positions for food service and CPG companies including Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Yum Brands, and Procter and Gamble.
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf appoints Starbucks vet as Asia VP

Los Angeles - The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has added Andrew Nathan as senior VP of Asia Pacific and member of the executive team. In this newly created role, Nathan will be the primary driver of the company's growth opportunities in Asia, including responsibility for operations in Singapore and Malaysia.

Nathan assumes responsibilities previously held by Victor Sassoon, CEO of Asia Pacific, who continues as a board member of the company. Nathan will be based in Singapore and report to John Dawson, president and CEO.