Supply Chain & Merchandising

Walmart could be making another bold move in the online delivery game.   Speaking at an advertising industry event in New York City on Wednesday, Marc Lore, president and CEO of Walmart eCommerce U.S., said that he expects the chain to offer free, same-day delivery  in New York City “very soon,” Bloomberg reported.  

Pier 1 Imports Inc. reported a wider-than-expected loss in its second quarter and forecast a smaller per-share profit for the year that analysts had expected.   Pier 1 lost $7.8 million, or 10 cents a share, compared with a loss of $4 million, or 5 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted for one-time items, the company reported a loss of 5 cents a share in the quarter.   

Walmart is looking to expand its share of the lucrative market for baby products.   The discounter announced it is relaunching its Parent's Choice line of baby essentials with an expanded line of products and a new logo. Parent's Choice, which began 20 years ago with just baby formula, will grow to 275 items. The relaunch comes as Target Corp. has been focusing on baby with new Cloud Island baby brand, which recently added has bedding and nursery decor to its assortment.   

The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association are throwing its support behind the tax reform proposal released Wednesday by the Trump administration and congressional leadership.   According to the NRF, the measure could provide a major boost for the nation’s economy.  

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's have officially joined forces — finally.   Bass Pro Shops' acquisition of Cabela’s Inc. is complete. The deal, in the works for more than a year, brings together two of the nation's leading outdoor gear and apparel retailers. Bass Pro, a leader in fishing, operates more than 100 retail stores, while Cabela's, which is heavy into hunting, counts 89 locations. Also part of the unified company, which will be privately held, is Bass Pro's White Marine Group boating division. 

Kevin Mansell, chairman, CEO and president of Kohl's, will retire in May 2018 at the end of the company’s annual shareholders meeting. The 35-year Kohl's veteran has served as its chief executive for nearly 10 years.  

This holiday season offers retailers something they haven't experienced in five years.   For the first since 2012, there will be four Saturdays in December prior to Christmas Day, according to Shoppertrak, which noted that the busiest shopping day of the year will fall on Black Friday, Nov. 24. Saturday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 16 are expected to be the second and third busiest shopping days, respectively. (The full list is at the end of the article.)