OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Insights: The Abercrombie & Fitch employee religious accommodation case
By Veena A. Iyer, Nilan Johnson Lewis
Staples to showcase in-store 3D printing kiosks
MakerBot and Staples announced today that MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers and MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanners are now available in 50 select Staples retail stores across 18 states. MakerBot is Staples’ exclusive provider in-store of 3D printing hardware, with premium in-store experiences to showcase the entire MakerBot 3D Ecosystem. This partnership makes Staples the exclusive office supply company to offer MakerBot 3D printing and scanning products in the store.

Walmart in huge solar project; 400 systems over four years

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Walmart is making a major investment in solar energy, with plans to install up to 400 new solar projects at stores and facilities across the nation during the next four years. The retailer has tapped two solar energy providers for the installations, SolarCity and SunEdison, following an RFP process.
Abercrombie & Fitch to enter Mexico in 2015

New Albany, Ohio - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has entered into a franchise agreement with Grupo AXO to establish a retail store presence in Mexico. The franchise arrangement, the first in the company`s history, will encompass both the Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister brands.
NRF calls for comprehensive immigration reform

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) supports immigration reform, but does not think President Obama’s executive action on immigration regulations is the right approach. The NRF has issued a statement from president and CEO Matthew Shay on the announcement that President Obama will issue a series of executive actions on immigration:
NRF urges president to step into West Coast port issue

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation asking President Obama to step into continuing labor unrest at the nation’s West Coast ports. The NRF has issued a statement its president and CEO, Matthew Shay, following reports that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association are taking a break from contract negotiations.
Gordmans names Carters exec as merchandising head

Omaha, Neb. – Gordmans Stores Inc. has named Lisa Evans as executive VP and chief merchandising officer effective Jan. 5, 2015. Evans was most recently the executive VP and brand leader for children’s apparel brand Carters, and previously was senior VP and general merchandising manager with Macy's. Evans’ earlier experience included a variety of senior merchandising leadership roles with the Kaufmann's and Foley's divisions of the former May Company.
Aldi goes into high growth mode; will open 650 U.S. stores by end of 2018

BATAVIA, Ill. - Deep-discount grocer Aldi is ramping up its U.S. expansion. The company plans to open 650 new stores across the country, including expanding to Southern California, bringing its total number of U.S. stores to nearly 2,000 by the end of 2018.
H.J. Martin & Son completes major project for Burlington

Green Bay, Wisconsin - H.J. Martin announced it has completed a major project for national retailer Burlington Coat Factory. The project primarily consisted of fixture installations in 49 stores across the continental United States as part of a remodeling of Burlington’s home and accessories departments.
Incoming Gap CEO names new heads of Gap and Banana Republic brands

New York - Gap Inc.'s incoming CEO, Abe Peck, is wasting no time putting his own stamp on the company, naming new presidents for the Gap and Banana Republic brands. Jeff Kirwan, 48, has been tapped to replace Stephen Sunnucks as global president for Gap. And Owen, 49, will succeed Jack Calhoun on Jan. 5 as global president for Banana Republic.