Finance & Capital Management

As margin pressures increase, more retailers are adopting new supply chain technologies to streamline operations and remain competitive.   Specifically, nearly three-quarters (74%) of top retail executives in procurement said that supply chain technology can provide a significant competitive edge, according to the inaugural Retail Pulse survey from C2FO.   

The party is over for shoppers that enjoyed tax-free online shopping — on Amazon, anyway.   Starting on April 1, Amazon will collect sales tax from all states that have a tax levy. Only the five states that do not have a state sales tax — Alaska, Delaware, Oregon, Montana and New Hampshire — will remain exempt.   

Rent-A-Center Inc. has taken action to reduce the likelihood that an investor gains unsolicited control of the company.   The nation's largest rent-to-own operator has adopted a stockholder rights plan, or a so-called poison pill, that would become exercisable if a group buys 15% or more of its outstanding shares.  

Plummeting retail occupancy rates have Manhattan landlords in a generous mood.   According to a Bloomberg report, Manhattan landlords are offering their retail clients such giveaways as interior redesigns and moving expenses to keep storefronts from going dark.  

A Publix Super Markets associate who started his career with the company as a part-time meat cutter has been named VP of real estate strategy.   Publix promoted Bob Balcerak to the top real estate post, effective April 3, 2017. As VP, he will oversee the selection of new sites and management of leased properties for Publix stores.     

Colliers International has announced the hiring of Wayne L. Kasbar as managing director in its Parsippany, New Jersey, office. He will focus on the retail sector.   Kasbar comes to Colliers from Silbert Realty & Management Company, where he oversaw the brokerage team covering New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Prior to that, he spent five years at Trammel Crow, now part of CBRE, leaving there as VP of brokerage services.  

When it comes to expanding its store portfolio, At Home has barely gotten started.   Reporting strong results for the fourth quarter and full year, the home décor retailer also said it plans to open 25 new stores this year, with the potential for almost 500 more locations over the long term.    

The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins announced that Paul Carbone, CFO, is leaving the company effective April 21, 2017.