Rutter's

The country’s unemployment rate fell to 4.5% in March, but a volatile retail landscape continues to negatively impact merchant’s payrolls.    The U.S. economy added 98,000 jobs last month, versus 180,000 expected by economists surveyed by Reuters.   However, the number of unemployed persons declined by 326,000 to 7.2 million.  

Hudson’s Bay Co. mirrored the challenges confronting the department store industry as it swung to a loss in its fourth quarter  and said it would cut costs and capital spending.   

A new deal could give Amazon a foothold in the Middle East.   Amazon has agreed in principle to buy Souq.com, a leader in the Middle East's online shopping market, according to a report in Reuters.   

In the wake of mounting losses and increasing doubts about its viability, Sears Holding Corp. is facing pull back from some of its vendors.   That is according to a report by Reuters, which said that suppliers to Sears are becoming more defensive to protect themselves from the risk of nonpayment by doing such things as reducing shipments and asking for better payment terms.  

It’s easier than ever for McDonald’s customers to order a Big Mac — and avoid long lines at service counters.   The fast-food chain began testing mobile ordering and payment functionality within its app at 29 restaurants in Monterey and Salinas, California, on Wednesday, March 15. Another 51 restaurants in Spokane, Washington, are slated to launch the service on March 20, according to Reuters.   

Asda is making its workforce an enticing offer.   The British supermarket owned by Walmart is offering staff in its stores a 14% increase in their hourly pay if they sign a contract requiring more flexible working, according to Reuters.   The deal requires Asda staff to work in different parts of stores and dif-ferent days or hours, including public holidays. All breaks will be un-paid.  

Luxury department store retailer Neiman Marcus is looking for relief from its heavy debt.   The company has hired Lazard Ltd. to explore debt restructuring options, but it is no immediate risk of bankruptcy, reported Reuters.   

Aldi is ready to introduce its brand to price-sensitive Chinese shoppers.   The German discount supermarket chain plans to start selling online in China this month, a move that will expose Chinese consumers to a selection of German wine, snacks and breakfast products, Reuters reported.    

Family Christian is going out of business.   The company said Thursday, Feb. 23 that it plans to close all 240 stores across 36 states, according to Reuters.    Family Christian filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2015 with more than $120 million in debt. Since then, the chain continued to face a sales slump amid growing competition from online stores.  

The Limited is in line to get a new lease on life.    Sycamore Partners has won the auction for the e-commerce business and intellectual property of the bankrupt women's apparel retailer with a bid of $26.8 million, according to Reuters.