OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) calculated retail industry employment gains (excluding autos and gasoline) of 27,800 jobs in June 2014, compared to the prior month and 230,800 year-over-year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation Summary showed that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 288,000 in June, better than analysts' and economists' expectations.

The unemployment rate dropped to 6.1% as a result, while the civilian labor participation rate remained unchanged at 62.8%.

New York -- A physical store presence is key to most retailers for their online growth strategy, according to a new report by Moody’s Investor Services. Based on existing data, Moody’s estimate online sales as a percent of total retail sales are just 6% today, and will increase to 7.1% by 2016, and potentially reach a double-digit (mid-teens) share of the total retail sales pie in about five years.

San Jose, Calif. - EBay and U.K. general merchandise retailer Argos have entered an agreement to extend their offering of Click & Collect services via Argos stores. This extension will enable shoppers to select products from a much wider range of EBay sellers for collection from about 650 Argos stores.

New York -- Target Corp. on Wednesday requested that customers no longer carry guns in its stores.

The retailer found itself embroiled in controversy when gun-rights activists in Texas and several other states chose Target stores to demonstrate their belief in the right to openly bear arms. In response, the chain came under heavy fire from groups such as "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense" and others who expressed concern about firearms being carried into an environment where the shoppers are often accompanied by children.

Palo Alto, Caif. - Same-day delivery start-up Deliv has appointed Jeff Helms as head of delivery operations. The former senior Amazon leader joins the crowdsourced, same-day delivery provider as it plans for rapid expansion across the country.

Camp Hill, Pa. – Rite Aid has reportedly settled a consumer protection suit filed by the district attorneys of San Diego, Riverside and Alameda counties for about $500,000. According to the Associated Press, the suit alleged that Rite Aid pharmacists failed to consult with customers who were filling new prescriptions or changing the doses of existing prescriptions, as required by California state law.

Milwaukee – Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. is closing its distribution center in Stevens Point, Minnesota. The closure, expected to take place by Sept. 30, will eliminate 196 jobs.

Philadelphia -- Five Below announced the departure of Jeffrey Moore, executive VP merchandising.

"Over the last seven years Jeff has been an integral part of the success of Five Below as he has helped build the world-class merchandising team we have in place. We thank Jeff for his significant contributions to the business and we wish him well as he leaves to spend time with his family," said Tom Vellios, co-founder and CEO of Five Below.