Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Increased online and offline competition is giving arts and crafts leader Michaels Cos. a run for its money.   The company's profit fell 20% to $67 million, or 38 cents a share, in the first quarter ended April 29, down from $85 million, or 34 cents a share, a year ego. Its results missed analysts' expectations.    Total sales were flat at $1.16 billion, also less than expected. Same-store sales fell 1.2%  

Meijer plans to open its smallest urban store yet — but with a twist.   The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based grocer’s newest store will be nearly 30,000 sq. ft., but it won’t feature the Meijer moniker. Instead, the store will go by the name, Bridge Street Market. Construction begins in July, and is expected to be open for business in the early fall of 2018.  

E-commerce sales may be hitting all-time highs, but the key to success is seamless online returns processes.   This was according to “Making Returns a Competitive Advantage,” a re-port from Navar. The report is based on responses from 700 U.S. con-sumers who returned an online purchase in the past 12 months.  

BCBG Max Azria Group LLC is getting a shot at keeping its brand alive.  

A digitally native organic baby and toddler's clothing brand has opened its second brick-and-mortar location.    Monica + Andy has opened its first store in New York City, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The brand was launched online in 2014 by new mom Monica Royer, sister of Andy Dunn, co-founder of Bonobos, the online menswear brand that is rapidly growing its physical store footprint. It features clothing made of kid-friendly fabrics that are free of lead, phthalates and flame-retardants.  

Office Depot is selling off another international unit.   The office supplies giant announced it will sell its stores in China to Shanghai M&G Colipu Office Supplies Co., Ltd. The public, China-based public company manufactures and sells writing instruments, as well as stationery products for offices and students.   

Even with a jump in sales, unanticipated operating expenses and e-commerce snafus took a toll on Boot Barn’s fourth quarter for fiscal 2017.   

Duluth Holdings is losing its finance chief.    Mark DeOrio, the company’s CFO, will retire at the end of 2017. DeOrio will remain in his role until the next finance chief is appointed, and he will then assist with his successor’s transition until his retirement. DeOrio has held the role since August 2010. He also served as senior VP of operations from 2010 to January 2015.