OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

The Kroger Co. cited for hiring people with disabilities
Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. was named Employer of the Year by the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities for significantly contributing to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Kroger was nominated for this recognition by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The company received the award at a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse on Oct. 16.
Wal-Mart names veteran exec as India COO
New Delhi, India –- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has named Murali Lanka as COO of its Indian operation effective Dec. 1. Lanka has held various positions with Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club since 1989 and served as head of operations of Wal-Mart India from 2008-2013, and most recently held the position of regional general manager for Wal-Mart in Texas.

Snagajob: Seasonal retail workers average $10.30 per hour

Richmond, Va. -- Employers in the hospitality industry will pay the highest average wage for holiday employees at $11.80 per hour, followed by retail at $10.30, and food service at $9.40, according to a survey by Snagajob, which provides recruitment and hiring solutions to the hourly industry.
Gap continues global expansion with first Old Navy stores in the Middle East

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. announced it has signed agreements to open Old Navy stores in six Middle Eastern countries with franchisees Fawaz A. Alhokair & Co. and Azadea beginning spring 2015. The first markets include U.A.E., Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This is the second franchise market expansion for Old Navy. In March of this year, the brand opened its first franchise-operated stores in the Philippines.
Panjiva: U.S. imports down in September

New York –- Imports to the U.S. were down in September from August, but still there was a measurable year-over-year increase. Sept. 2014 showed levels of imports 7% above imports in Sept. 2013.
Sam’s Club to offer private health insurance exchange targeted at small business owners

By Mike Johnson Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores continues to expand its health care offerings with the announcement that its Sam's Club division will launch a private health insurance exchange for its small business members. Sam’s Club is partnering with insurance giant Aetna on the initiative.
CVS/pharmacy awarded LEED Platinum for store in New Haven, Conn.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS Health said that the CVS/pharmacy store in West Haven, Conn., has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. It the first CVS store to be certified with the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest distinction and the retailer’s eighth LEED-certified building. 
Golfsmith International opens at Downtown Summerlin

Las Vegas -- Golfsmith International, the world's largest specialty golf retailer, has opened a 23,000-sq.ft. store in the just-opened Downtown Summerlin center, located outside of Las Vegas.
Great American Group selected as stalking horse bidder for Alco stores

Los Angeles --Great American Group has been selected as a stalking horse bidder in the potential liquidation of Alco Stores, which operates 198 general merchandise discount stores in 23 states. Great American is a leading provider of asset disposition and auction solutions, advisory and valuation services, capital investment, and real estate advisory services.
The Finish Line names Sato president

Indianapolis -- Samuel M. Sato, formerly president, Finish Line brand, has been named as president, The Finish Line Inc. The board of directors also elected him to the board, filling the Class II director position previously held by Bill Kirkendall.