The Supply Side: Retail news briefs

• Family Dollar exec joins Belk

From thrifty Family Dollar to mid-line retailer Belk, Dorlisa Flur is moving on up the retail chain.

Flur was recently named executive vice president of omni-channel for Belk. The Charlotte, N.C.-based retailer has 301 stores across the 16 southern states. The retailer celebrated its 125th anniversary last month.

Flur will oversee Belk’s efforts to give its customers a seamless omni-channel journey and lead a team consisting of representatives from IT, e-commerce and stores. 

John Belk, chief operating officer said, “Like many retailers, we are early in our omni-channel journey, and we know it will be critical to our success going forward.  We are fortunate to have someone with the talent and experience of Dorlisa Flur to lead us.”

Flur joins Belk after eight years at Family Dollar Stores, most recently as chief administrative officer. She also worked at McKinsey and Company, consulting and holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University.

• UPS joins forces with Jabil Circuit in reverse logistics

UPS’s logistics and distribution business unit and Jabil Aftermarket Services together will  provide optimized reverse logistics solutions for return and repair programs to suppliers on a global scale, the company’s announced last week.

“Our customers’ supply chains are becoming increasingly complex,” said Brad Mitchell, president of UPS global logistics and distribution.

UPS and Jabil are positioned to provide customized local services globally, with 1.8 million UPS pick-up and drop-off locations in 147 countries and 55 Jabil service centers in 21 countries.

By combining UPS’s warehousing, transportation, returns management and trade compliance capabilities with Jabil’s reverse logistics planning, repair and call center support, the UPS/Jabil collaboration provides a turn-key supply chain model that can drive efficiencies, reduce vendor complexity and enhance customer service.

“Jabil is excited to collaborate with UPS,” said CEO Hartmut Liebel. “By leveraging Jabil’s and UPS’s complementary aftermarket services and logistics expertise, customers now have access to a comprehensive suite of services from one source that meets all of their unique reverse logistics needs.”

The new services include: order fulfillment, next and same day transportation, returns processing, whole unit and component repair, assembly, procurement and vendor management, planning and inventory funding, call center and tech support, trade compliance and the use of The UPS Store® locations for product pick-up or drop-off.

• Beauty executive joins craft-king Michaels Stores

Chuck Rubin, CEO of Ulta Beauty was recently named CEO of Michaels Stores and given a board seat at the craft company.

Rubin will assume his new roles after a brief period of transition. Charles Sonsteby, who has served as interim CEO will continue as chief financial officer.

"Michaels is an iconic brand and a category leader in the large and fragmented arts and crafts industry, with considerable potential moving forward," said Rubin.  "With its diverse product offering of industry defining brands and unique customer engagement strategy, Michaels has built a loyal customer base. I am honored and excited by the opportunity and look forward to working with the Company's talented management team and dedicated associates."

Rubin brings more than 30 years of retail industry experience, leading Ulta, and he was a former executive at Office Depot.