Mergers & Acquisitions

Less than a month after Hudson’s Bay Company brought Saks Fifth Avenue to Canadian shoppers, the company this month is opening the first of 25 planned Saks Off 5th stores.

Three new Saks Off 5th stores are scheduled to open on March 17 in Vaughan Mills, Halton Hills and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The openings will allow Canadians to experience the ultimate "thrill of the hunt" shopping that Saks Off 5th is renowned for, with access to the some of the best brands and fantastic finds, in a fun to shop store format,” according to the company.

American’s dependence on their devices – and their tendency to break – has given rise to a new breed of retailer that promises to get its customer back in the digital game fast.

Carmel, Indiana-based uBreakiFix is on the move again in its home state with another new location in the Indianapolis market, its fourth in the area. UBreakiFix currently operates more than 170 stores after opening 63 locations last year. The fast-growing company expects to have 275 stores across North American by next year.

Smart & Final’s value oriented brand of food retailing is resonating with shoppers and that has the company eyeing roughly 40 new stores in 2016.

The company formerly known as Men’s Wearhouse plans to significantly reduce its physical presence this year by closing 250 stores, including more than 20% of the Jos. A. Bank stores acquired in 2014.

The major reduction is selling space by the company which changed its name to Tailored Brands earlier this year was announced in conjunction with the release of weak fourth quarter results that were in line with previously released results, which showed Jos. A. Bank stores had 32% decline in same-store sales.

Whole Foods Market and online delivery service Instacart have big plans to make it easier for consumers nationwide to receive home deliveries from the nation’s leading retailer of natural and organic products.
 

After more than doubling in size the past 10 years, the 69 store Bob’s Discount Furniture chain has executed a succession strategy.

Manchester, Conn.-based Bob’s Discount Furniture elevated Michael Skirvin from his role as president and COO to serve as president and CEO. He assumes the top job from Ted English who will remain with the company as executive chairman.

The company formerly known as Men’s Wearhouse plans to significantly reduce its physical presence this year by closing 250 stores, including more than 20% of the Jos. A. Bank stores acquired in 2014.

The major reduction is selling space by the company which changed its name to Tailored Brands earlier this year was announced in conjunction with the release of weak fourth quarter results that were in line with previously released results, which showed Jos. A. Bank stores had 32% decline in same-store sales.

Party City on Thursday posted an increase in same-store sales and profit for the fourth quarter and said it is on track to expand its footprint this year.

But it also cautioned that sales may slow.

Party City reported a profit of $86.5 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, up from $79 million a year earlier. On a per-share basis, earnings declined to 72 cents from 83 cents.

Total revenue slipped 2.8% to $781.5 million. Same-store sales increased 2.8%, fueled by a strong Halloween season.

The rumors are true – Whole Foods Market and Instacart are taking their relationship to a new level.

The organic grocer and online delivery service officially announced a deepening of their partnership, which had been reported in the media for the past few weeks.