OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

First Data and Verifone partner to combat consumer payment data theft
Atlanta – Payment technology provider First Data and secure payment acceptance technology vendor Verifone, are partnering to help retailers reduce exposure to large-scale consumer payment data breaches and expedite acceptance of EMV-enabled credit and debit cards in advance of the October 2015 liability shift for EMV-enabled payment card fraud.
Former Toys “R” Us chief named CEO of Hudson’s Bay
Toronto - Hudson’s Bay Co. has named Gerald Storch, the former CEO of Toys “R” Us, as its new CEO, effective January 6. An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Storch oversaw the expansion of Toys “R” Us online and international business. Prior to joining the toy giant, he was vice-chairman of Target Corp., where he founded target.com, and ran the chain’s grocery business.

Wal-Mart might appeal wage suit to Supreme Court

New York - Wal-Mart Stores on Tuesday said that it might appeal the decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which ordered the discounter to pay $188 million to settle a class-action suit over worker pay. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld a 2007 lower court ruling in favor of workers who said Wal-Mart failed to pay them for all hours worked and prevented them from taking full meal and rest breaks.
Bebe names interim CEO to the post on permanent basis

Brisbane, Calif. - bebe stores announded that Jim Wiggett has been named CEO and appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. He has been serving as interim chief executive since June 2014.
QVC promotes merchandising exec to QVC Germany CEO

West Chester, Penn. – QVC has named Mathias Bork to the position of CEO of QVC Germany, effective Jan. 1, 2015. Bork will be responsible for overseeing QVC's operations and growth in the Germany market. Bork succeeds Steve Hofmann, CEO of QVC Europe, who has held the role of interim CEO of QVC Germany since the end of 2013. Bork will continue to report to Hofmann.
Staples Canada meets, exceeds Q3 sustainability goals

Toronto – Staples Canada has released its sustainability report for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, and highlights include collecting and recycling 116,000 kg of batteries, surpassing its goal of 100,000 kg. In addition, in October 2014, Staples became the first Canadian retailer to launch an exclusive green energy offering for small businesses, letting customers sign up for Bullfrog Power online.
Phillips Edison names VP of tax

Cincinnati – Retail real estate services provider Phillips Edison & Company has named Thomas L. Drake, CPA to the role of VP of tax. In his new role, Drake will be responsible for leading all aspects of the tax functions for the organization.
Dunkin’ Donuts opens 6 stores in Miami

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts opened six new restaurants and remodeled one location with existing franchise partners during the last several weeks in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market. Currently, there are more than 150 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants located throughout the area. In total, there are more than Dunkin’ Donuts 150 restaurants in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market.
Bebe names Wiggett permanent CEO

Brisbane, Calif. – Bebe Stores Inc. has named Jim Wiggett, who has been serving as interim CEO since June 2014, as permanent CEO and member of the board of directors. Wiggett is a 40-year retail and business veteran.
Study – Retail sector to add 30,000 jobs by end of year

San Leandro, Calif. - The U.S. retail sector will add nearly 30,000 jobs through the end of December as the country heads into a strong holiday shopping season. According to a study from HR services provider TriNet, recent job growth in the U.S. retail sector is built on positive consumer confidence, increasing retail spending, and positive job market outlook.