OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores named Tom Williams as senior VP of store operations and human resources. He replaces Ken Haverkost, who is retiring effective Aug.31.

In addition to retaining his current responsibilities overseeing all corporate human resources functions for Jo-Ann, Williams will assume responsibility for leading the store operations organization, covering more than 18,000 employees and more than 800 stores. He will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s benefits advisory committee

New York -- A disconnect between chief marketing officers and chief information officers threatens the ability of companies to deliver effective customer experiences, according to a new study by Accenture. Only one-in-10 of executives believing collaboration between CMOs and CIOs is currently at the right level.

Lubbock, Texas -- The United Family, parent of United Supermarkets and several other grocery store banners, has launched a texting program designed to enhance shopping experiences of United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos guests. Shoppers who opt-in to the texting program will receive product information and savings opportunities they can use instantly.
 

Lubbock, Texas -- As part of a strategic branding initiative, United Supermarkets, LLC will now be known as The United Family, reflecting its multiple store brands as well as its rich family history.
 
The strategic name change is part of a branding initiative to help define, articulate and document the organization’s retail portfolio, which consists of four brands: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos and United Express, along with its subsidiary operations, R.C. Taylor Distributing, Praters and Llano Logistics.

Dallas -- Neiman Marcus has launched its online Beauty Product Specialist Program offering online customers the personalized counter experience they would receive in a Neiman Marcus store.

"Through this program our customers can expect to receive guidance on skincare regimes, makeup application, and choosing a personal scent," said Kelly St. John, Neiman Marcus Direct VP, divisional merchandise manager, beauty.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. said that Cisco Systems executive Padmasree Warrior will join its board of directors on Sept. 30. She will be the company's eleventh director.

Warrior is Cisco Systems Inc.'s chief technology officer and chief strategy officer.

New York -- Fairway Group Holdings Corp., parent company of Fairway Market, is the first supermarket in New York City to install technology to help customers who are deaf place their shopping orders.

The company said it has installed a hearing loop at its Broadway store's deli counter which works with an individual's telecoil-equipped hearing instrument or cochlear implant.

In the 1980s, animated public service commercials featuring McGruff the Crime Dog exhorted viewers that: “Together, we can take a bite out of crime.” Two decades later, department store retailer J.C. Penney is taking that spirit of teamwork to cooperatively use technology to combat retail crime in the greater Chicago area.