OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Five Trends That Will Impact Supermarket Retailers in 2015
Mark Dunson, Emerson Climate Technologies Supermarkets are utilizing data-driven approaches to offset a moderate economy, varying consumer behavior and the continued rise of online competitors. Achievement often depends on reacting well to difficult issues or, better, getting ahead of the next obstacles. There's no telling how the year will develop, but there are several clear challenges and opportunities for savvy supermarkets in 2015.
Staples breach may have exposed more than 1 million cards
Framingham, Mass. – About 1.16 million customer payment cards may have been exposed in a security breach at Staples Inc. earlier this year. In an update on the breach situation, Staples said that criminals deployed malware to some POS systems at 115 of its more than 1,400 U.S. retail stores, providing access to data from purchases made from July 20 through Sept. 16, 2014.

RadioShack marketing head leaves company

Fort Worth, Texas – The management shakeup continues at RadioShack Corp. Jennifer Warren, chief marketing officer of the troubled consumer electronics chain, has reportedly left the company. According to the Wall Street Journal, Warren, who had served as chief marketing officer since early 2013 and was responsible for a highly publicized Super Bowl ad featuring 1980s celebrities, no longer works for RadioShack. There are no other details on her departure and Warren and RadioShack declined further comment.
Wal-Mart’s Latin American chief to also serve as CEO of Mexican unit

Mexico City - Wal-Mart de Mexico said that that Enrique Ostale, Walmex chairman and Latin America CEO for Wal-Mart Stores, will also take over as CEO of the Mexican company, effective January 1.
Amazon launches one-hour mobile delivery in Manhattan

Seattle – Manhattan residents have the opportunity to receive Amazon deliveries faster than even before.
Deckers names Outerwall chair to board

Goleta, Calif. - Deckers Brands has appointed Nelson Chan, chairman of the board of directors of Redbox and Coinstar parent company Outerwall, to the company's board of directors. Maureen Conners will step down from the Deckers board at year-end to pursue other activities.
2015 commercial construction predictions: improved economy to mean more construction and renovations

Chicago - Top commercial construction trends for 2015 include an increase in retail and restaurant ground-up construction and a rise in shopping mall renovations, according to national general construction firm Englewood Construction.
Dunkin’ Brands to open 400-plus U.S. stores in 2015

Canton, Mass. - Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, plans to add between 410 and 440 net new U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants five to 10 net new Baskin-Robbins U.S. restaurants in 2015. Globally, the company expects to open between 615 and 750 net new units in the coming year.
Target announces new leadership roles

MINNEAPOLIS — Target chairman and CEO Brian Cornell, who took the helm earlier this year, is making a string of executive changes to help fuel the retailer's digital transformation and enhance the guest experience.
Five Ways to Protect Your Business On and Offline

By Paul Jones, eBay