OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

New York -- Fashion powerhouse Zara, owned by Spain’s Inditex, used social media to apologize after complaints poured in via Twitter that the retailer was selling a piece of clothing that closely resembled a uniform worn in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The item in question, called the “Sheriff,” was a children’s blue-and-white striped top with a prominent six-pointed yellow star.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation has hired Mary Heitman as VP of retail programs. Heitman comes to NRF from the Trust for the National Mall, where she served as director of events and deputy director of development.

Toronto - Hudson’s Bay Company has appointed John Caplice to the position of senior VP treasury and investor relations, effective Sept. 2. He most recently served as senior VP treasurer & investor relations at Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. from 2000-2014.

While at Shoppers Drug Mart, Caplice was responsible for treasury and compliance activities, as well as developing and implementing communication strategies.

Caplice will be based in Toronto and will report to Paul Beesley, CFO, Hudson’s Bay Company.   

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. on Friday named one of its former executives, Mike Andres, as president of its U.S. operations, effective Oct. 15. Andres rejoins McDonald's after most recently serving as chairman and CEO of restaurant chain Logan's Roadhouse,

Andres, 56, replaces Jeff Stratton, 58, who is retiring after 41 years with the company. Stratton was named U.S. president in November 2012.

Seattle -- Outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI has promoted Eric Artz, CFO, the additional role COO), and Susan Viscon, VP merchandising, to senior VP merchandising.

Atlanta -- Rent-to-own chain Aaron's, Inc. has named its current CFO Gilbert L. Danielson to the position of interim chief executive officer, following the retirement of current CEO Ronald W. Allen on Aug. 31.

Danielson will also retain his CFO responsibilities during the interim period and will not be a candidate for the permanent CEO role, said the company. A formal search, led by Spencer Stuart, is underway and includes a review of both internal and external candidates.
 

Atlanta -- The Home Depot on Thursday named Craig Menear, president of the chain's U.S. retail business, as CEO and president, effective Nov. 1. Menear succeeds chairman and CEO Frank Blake.  Blake, who has held the top spot since 2007, will remain chairman.

Menear, who was also elected to the company's board of directors, effectively immediately, assumed his current position in February 2014. He is a 34-year retail veteran, and has been a key leader in the company's success, the retailer said.

New York -- Macy's Inc. has agreed to pay $650,000 to settle allegations of racial profiling at its flagship store in Manhattan.

Under the agreement with New York's attorney general, the company will initiate enhanced training and education for its loss prevention and sales associates.

“We also will be adopting an expanded role for our security monitor to help ensure that we have the right policies and procedures in place, and that we are constantly reviewing our compliance with them,” the retailer said in a statement.