eCommerce

McLean, Va. – German discount grocer Lidl continues to lay the foundation for its store debut in the United States.

The company which is establishing a U.S. corporate headquarters, in Arlington County, Virginia, announced it will also open a regional headquarters and distribution center facility in Alamance County, North Carolina. The moves are part of Lidl’s early preparations to expand into the U.S. http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/german-grocer-lidl-prepares-us-expansion-open-headquarters-virginia

Leadership of the Kroger Co.’s retail operations is in limbo following the retirement of COO Mike Ellis, with no immediate successor named.

The Kroger Co. announced that Ellis has retired after 40 years with the company.

Pier 1 Imports has named a former finance executve of Michaels, Kmart and Sears as its new chief financial officer.

Irvine, Calif. – Boot Barn Holdings Inc. is looking to expand its ability to serve the needs of omnichannel customers with a new acquisition.

The retailer has completed its previously announced purchase of Sheplers Inc. a western lifestyle company with 25 retail locations across the U.S. and a catalog and e-commerce business.

The menswear market is hot. Men’s apparel sales in the United States rose 2% in 2014 to $61.3 billion, up from $60.8 billion in 2013.

And Men’s Wearhouse — one of North America’s largest menswear specialty retailers with 1,758 stores — has been taking note.

The retailer is capitalizing on the category’s growth via acquisition-fueled expansion, new designer collections and more customized products and service.

New York -- The off-price segment is on fire, but newcomers to the sector should watch out, warns a report by Moody’s Investors Service.

The U.S. off-price apparel and home products segment continues to grow rapidly as consumers who developed a taste for cheaply priced luxury goods during the recession keep up their hunt for bargains, Moody's Investors Service said in a new report.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer, has announced two significant organizational changes in the merchandising and marketing areas.

Megan Featherston, formerly senior vice president, merchandising, at Jo-Ann, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising & marketing. In her new role, Megan will oversee the retailer’s merchandising, marketing, Joann.com and business intelligence and analytics teams.

Looking for a piece of the growing off-price pie, Kohl's has officially opened its Off Aisle concept in New Jersey.

Kohl’s is testing the off-price waters by opening a discount store in Cherry Hill, N.J., this summer called "Off Aisle by Kohl's."