Mass Merchant

The chief merchandising officer of Dollar General Corp. is retiring.   The retailer announced that James “Jim” W. Thorpe, executive VP and chief merchandising officer, will retire from Dollar General effective April 15, 2017. Dollar General said it has started a search for a successor and will consider both internal and external candidates for the job.  

DHL is helping high-volume retailers speed up “the last mile” of their omnichannel shopping experience.   DHL eCommerce, a division of logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group, is expanding the functionality of its fulfillment centers in Columbus, Ohio, and Riverside, California. Specifically, the logistics company is investing in storage and mechanization to support the growing needs of its U.S.-based e-commerce retail partners that ship between 300 and 15,000 orders per day. They will also manage both B2C and B2B transactions.

A fashion blog is reporting that Walmart will acquire an online fashion brand known for its eclectic and quirky styles.   Walmart’s Jet.com division will acquire Modcloth, reported CNBC, which cited the Jezebel fashion blog. The report comes on the heels of Walmart’s acquisition in February of online outdoor apparel brand Moosejaw.    

1-800-Flowers.com’s latest business move puts the company in a strategic position to more cost-effectively expand its assortment.     The gifting retailer said Wednesday that Ferrero International S.A will acquire the company’s Fannie May Confections Brands, including its subsidiaries Fannie May Confections and Harry London Candies.   

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Mark Breitbard.     Gap Inc. on Tuesday named Breitbard as president and CEO of its struggling Banana Republic division.       Breitbard served as CEO at The Gymboree Corporation from 2013 until he stepped down in early 2017. From 2010 to 2013, he held leadership positions across Gap North America, where he was instrumental in delivering the product-led resurgence of Gap’s North America business.    

The bonuses, along with annual pay raises, were included in employees’ March 9 paycheck.   Over the past two years, Walmart has invested billions of dollars in training, education and higher wages. These programs offer associates skills, knowledge and tools to help them grow with the company and provide great customer service during a time of rapid change in shopping habits.  

An increase in revenue and comparable store sales helped Tilly’s beat analyst expectations for the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, Tilly’s revenue was $160.2 million, an increase from $159.1 million last year. Net sales also topped Wall Street forecasts of $159.9 million. The chain also beat analyst predictions of earnings hitting 21 cents per share. Tilly’s posted a profit of 22 cents per share.  

Gordmans Stores is the latest chain to file for bankruptcy.   The 100-year-old chain announced on Monday, March 13, that it filed Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska.