OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

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.
Retail vet Michael Rayden, CEO of tween-brand Justice, to retire in January

Mahwah, N.J. -- Michael Rayden, president and CEO of Ascena Retail Group’s tween apparel brands Justice and Brothers, and a member of the Ascena board, is retiring at the end of Jan. 2015. Ascena has tapped Herbert Mines Associates to start a global search for a president and CEO of Justice and Brothers.
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.
Crocs shuffles management team

Niwot, Colo. -- Crocs Inc. is enacting several key management changes, including the appointment of Bob Munroe to general manager of Crocs Americas region; Greg Sullivan to the new role of senior VP of global business transformation; Scott Yuan to general manager of Greater China; and Michelle Poole to senior VP of global product creation and merchandising.
Report: Sears clerk steals $3.7 million in merchandise

Hoffman Estates, Ill. –- An inventory clerk at a Sears Holding Corp. distribution center in Logan Township, N.J., has reportedly been arrested for stealing merchandise worth $3.7 million in retail value and selling it for both cash and bartered services to a network of individuals in the tri-state area. According to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, following an investigation by Sears loss prevention officials and local and county police, Kim Watson, 32, was arrested on Friday, Oct. 17.
NRF and others urge quick resolution to labor negotions on West Coast ports

New York --A group of 104 national, state and local organizations--representing farmers, manufacturers, retailers, transportation providers and others--signed a letter urging the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) “to quickly conclude a new labor agreement...to allay growing concerns of thousands of businesses who rely on West Coast ports for orderly and timely supply chain operations.”