J. C. Penney Board appoints CEO Marvin Ellison to the additional position of Chairman, effective August 1, 2016. Read more | WSJ article (subs.)

 

How a former Wal-Mart executive is helping the Air Force cut energy costs by Jim Puzzanghera at LA Times. “As assistant secretary for installations, environment and energy since 2014, Miranda Ballentine has used her private-sector experience to help the Air Force keep its energy costs down…” Read the Q&A

 

Amazon’s sleek new badges irk some employees by Angel Gonzalez at The Seattle Times. “The famous Amazon blue badge, which identifies many a South Lake Union denizen, is being replaced by a sleek, high-tech version that’s harder to counterfeit. But some staffers say the new badge reminds them of funerary portraits used in some Asian cultures.” Read more

 

Ex-Dollar General CFO named to US Foods Board Read the release

 

Remembering Betsy Bloomingdale, Who Reigned Over Los Angeles Society and Influenced a First Lady by Bob Colacello at Vanity Fair. “Her late husband, Alfred Bloomingdale, an heir to the New York department-store fortune and co-founder of the Diners Club, was among the group of tycoons known as the “Kitchen Cabinet,” who supported Ronald Reagan’s political career from his first campaign for the California governorship in 1966.” Read more

 

Former Wal-Mart exec Don Soderquist dies at 82 by Christie Swanson at Arkansas Online. “Soderquist spent 22 years with Wal-Mart, starting in 1980 as executive vice president of administration and distribution. He became chief operating officer and vice chairman in 1988, stepping down from those posts in 2000 and officially retiring in 2002.” Read more

 

Starbucks Blames Social Unrest After It Misses Third Straight Sales Target via Dow Jones Business News. “In Starbucks’s 24 years of public life, I can’t recall a quarter quite like” this, Chief Executive Howard Schultz said during a conference call to discuss third-quarter results.” Read more

 

**A message from 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo – The Most Innovative New Products winners have been announced. Winners were awarded in nine categories: chocolate, non-chocolate, sweet, salty, savory, novelty, seasonal, gourmet/premium and gum/mints. See the winners here The 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo is nearly 90% sold out and will take place May 23-25 at Chicago’s McCormick Place – Notify me when registration opens

 

Inside Amazon’s orbs: an office building, retail space and forest all in one by Nat Levy at GeekWire. “Amazon Director of Global Real Estate and Facilities John Schoettler gave insight into Amazon’s new campus, its impact on the neighborhood and everything that went into building the spheres as part of the Washington chapter of NAIOP’s annual property tour Thursday…” Read more

 

Tractor Supply CFO announces retirement at Nashville Post. Read more

 

Bass Pro Shops Hosts ‘Freedom Days,’ Gift Cards To Customers Who Join NRA by Awr Hawkins at Breitbart. “On two days–July 23-24–persons who join or renew their membership while in the store will be given a gift card they can use make purchases in Bass Pro.” Read more

 

Ex-CEO of Cumberland Farms Joins Yesway Read the release

 

$550M Bet – Amazon set to increase bet on Italy’s digital turnaround plan at Reuters. “It will be the biggest foreign IT investment to be unveiled in Italy since Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced in April a new tactic to speed up broadband rollout across the country.” Read more

 

Sam’s Club HR Chief Jumps to Sprint “Sprint announced the appointment of veteran human resources executive Ismat Aziz to its leadership team…” Read the release

 

Amazon Prime’s latest perk is discounted student loans by Sarah Perez at TechCrunch. “Through the partnership, Wells Fargo is offering a 0.50 percent interest rate discount to Amazon Prime Student customers…” Read more

 

Etsy’s New Headquarters Will Fill You With Envy by Diana Budds at Fast Company. “Its new headquarters in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn serves as a physical embodiment of this “responsible citizen” philosophy—from the solar panels covering its roof down to the salvaged furniture outfitting its conference rooms to the public gallery of maker goods in its lobby. The hope? That it’ll push others to adopt its conscientious ways.” See the 26 pics / Read more

 

Pet industry hopes ‘Secret Life’ and ‘Dory’ unleash sales by Rui Ellie Miao at USA Today. “If you visit a store, you’ll see the characters ‘take over’ of PetSmart,” said Ted Passig, executive vice president of buying and sourcing at PetSmart. Among the top sellers are a Bungee toy, plushes and ruffle dress tied to characters in the movie, like Buddy, Max and Gidget.” Read more

 

EBay’s plan to stay relevant: Artificial intelligence by Anita Balakrishnan at CNBC. “We are planting the seeds right now to ensure that eBay is not only relevant, but a leader — a disruptor — in artificial intelligence,” CEO Devin Wenig said on Thursday.” See the video interview / Read more

 

Party City Announces CFO “Party City announced today the appointment of Mr. Daniel J. Sullivan as CFO to succeed Mr. Michael A. Correale.” Read the release

 

Ivanka Trump wears her own label’s $158 dress to introduce Dad by Raquel Lanerl at NY Post. “Melania, saw her fancy designer dress sell out after she wore it the first night of the convention. It won’t be surprising if Ivanka’s line gets a bump in sales at retailers like Macy’s and Lord & Taylor as well.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra Stories

North Dakota teacher finds black widow spider in Costco grapes

General Mills plans to sell or close several plants, putting more than 1,400 jobs at risk

Visa and PayPal have finally settled a long-standing feud

Nike workforce tops 70,000 for first time

Footage Captures Man Accused Of Building Chemical Weapon Inside Walmart Store

Fast Company: Can American Apparel’s CEO Mend Its Seams?

Sumner Redstone sells West Roxbury Home Depot for $34M

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