Mass Merchant

New York -- Cindi Marsiglio,  VP of U.S.manufacturing for Walmart, shared new details about the company's  first-of-its-kind event, which is designed to advance the retailer’s $250 billion domestic sourcing agenda.  The event is planned for early July in Bentonville, Arkansas.

During a fast-paced presentation Thursday morning organized by a group called Doing Business in Bentonville, Marsiglio shared wide-ranging insights regarding the company’s 10 year, $250 billion domestic sourcing commitment unveiled in January 2013.

Value-oriented food retailer Smart & Final Stores Inc. plans to accelerate its expansion plans after posting double-digit sales growth in the fourth quarter.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us announced that it has named Reg McLay as senior VP, Babies “R” Us business, effective March 30.
     
McLay will lead the Babies “R” Us merchandising team in the U.S. in driving product innovation, as well as differentiation in services and offerings across its stores nationwide. He will report to Hank Mullany, president, Toys “R” Us, U.S.
 

Commerce Calif. -- Value-oriented food retailer Smart & Final Stores Inc. plans to accelerate its expansion after posting double-digit sales growth in the fourth quarter.

In case you missed it, the first quarter edition of Walmart Supplier News is now available. For perspective on Walmart COO Judith McKenna’s quest for operational excellence and a wide range of Walmart-related topics click here. 

Boston -- Walmart narrowly leads the one-stop basket assessment versus Target, according to the latest Kantar Retail basket pricing study, which examines a basket of grocery, HBA, and general merchandise items. Study findings indicate Target’s overall basket is 3.5% more expensive than Walmart’s and Walmart leads in each of the sub-baskets, with the strongest lead in general merchandise.
Notable findings from the study include:

Time may be running out for Toys "R" Us shoppers to ride the Ferris wheel at the retailer's flagship store in Time Square.

Toys "R" Us will not be renewing the lease of its Manhattan flagship, according to various reports. The lease for the massive 110,000-sq.-ft. retail space, at 1514 -1530 Broadway, between 44th and 45th Streets, is set to expire at the end of January.