Supply Chain & Merchandising

Timberland has made yet another executive appointment to support its growth strategies.   The company named footwear industry veteran Tracy Smith as VP and general manager of Timberland North America. In this role, he will lead the strategic vision and operations of Timberland’s wholesale and direct to consumer businesses in North America, with responsibility for strategy, merchandising, sales, marketing and operations.  

Target is planning to test a next-day delivery of essentials ordered online in the Minneapolis area.   Called Target Restock, the service will pilot this summer in the discounter’s hometown. Once the pilot is live, shoppers who have a Target REDcard will be eligible to visit a dedicated online experience to access thousands of household essentials.  

One hotel chain is putting a new spin on room service.   Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham is partnering with Peapod and Instacart on a new grocery delivery pilot. Targeting the many travelers who are eager to keep a few “staples” in their hotel room, but struggle to hunt down the closest grocery store in an unfamiliar city, Hawthorn Suites is piloting a program that delivers groceries directly to guests’ doors.  

Walgreens Boots Alliance has set in motion a mechanism that will result in the Federal Trade Commission having  60 days to either clear its $9.7 billion acquisition of Rite Aid or sue to block it,   Walgreens and Rite Aid Corp. announced late Monday afternoon that they have “certified substantial compliance” with the second request from the FTC regarding their proposed merger.   

Online menswear retailer seems to be at the end of its rope — or in this case, thread.    E-retailer JackThreads’ website is promoting its “Farewell Sale,” which is selling all merchandise, site-wide, for 70% — and all is final sale. While the company did not post any messages saying that the company is ceasing operations, the site’s “Work With Us” page has been closed.  

The past couple of years have been busy ones for Coach. The company has undertaken a turnaround of its main brand, successfully bringing back a premium edge to what had become a ubiquitous and devalued name. Coach has also integrated the Stuart Weitzman business by both extracting operating efficiencies and creating new sales opportunities.  

Coach has acquired a brand with a strong following among millennials.   The luxury handbag company on Monday announced that it will acquire Kate Spade & Company for $18.50 per share in cash, which represents a premium of 9% to Kate Spade's closing price on Friday. The deal, which has a total transaction value of $2.4 billion, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017 and add to adjusted earnings in fiscal 2018.  

Jewel-Osco shoppers soon will be able to order groceries directly from their go-to supermarket.   By the end of the summer, Jewel-Osco, a division of Albertsons, will offer online ordering. The chain will begin rolling out its e-commerce offering early this summer, according to The Chicago Sun Times.