Supply Chain & Merchandising

A former executive at Gander Mountain has joined Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.    The retailer has appointed Jeff Csuy as senior VP, general merchandise manager, fabric and sewing. He will report to Sharyn Hejcl, Jo-Anne’s executive VP, chief merchandising officer, as he “leads the fabric and sewing team to drive innovation while putting the customer first in all decisions,” Hejcl said.  

Six months after launching home delivery, Meijer is expanding its breadth.   The grocery and general merchandise retailer is getting ready to offer home delivery across its six-state footprint, starting with Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, and Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana in April. Meijer also plans to continue rolling out the service to major markets in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, the grocer said.   

Ulta Beauty on Thursday reported a stellar fourth quarter that shows why many consider it one of the hottest retailers in the United States.      The beauty products retailer also said it would open approximately 100 net new stores in 2017, and remodel 13 locations.           Ulta Beauty’s net income for the quarter, ended Jan. 30, surged 30% to a better-than-expected $140.2 million, from $107.8 million in the year-ago period.  

Digitization continues to take a foothold in supply chain, especially through the expansion of big data and the Internet of Things (IoT).   While innovation ranked highly, not all shippers have the same needs, according to “3PLs are Buzzing with Innovation: Bridging the Gap Between 3PLs and Shippers,” a report from JDA and SCDigest. The report tapped more than 100 shippers and 3PLs and reveals innovation from the perspectives of both shippers and logistics companies.  

Amazon continues to quietly grow its bookstore portfolio.    The online giant confirmed it will open an Amazon Books location in Bellevue, Washington — its second in the state and tenth overall — reported ReCode.   

Amazon is extending its Prime Now offerings to San Francisco members.   San Francisco Prime Now members can now get their hands on their favorite beauty, pet and grocery products in two hours or less.   Through partnerships with Peninsula Beauty, Pet Food Express and Sprouts Farmers Market, Prime members in neighborhoods spanning Oakland to San Francisco to San Jose can now shop tens of thousands of beauty and pet supplies, as well as healthy grocery products.   

Nordstrom Rack will open a store at Cascade Station in Portland, Oregon.    The approximately 28,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2017.   This will be the fifth Nordstrom Rack store in the Portland area. Portland is also home to the first stand-alone Nordstrom Rack store, which opened in 1983. The company also operates a full line stores at downtown Portland and Clackamas Town Center.  

Sears Holding Corp. narrowed its adjusted loss in its fourth quarter, but its revenue continued to erode and its debt obligations continued to mount.   Sales plunged 17% to $6.05 billion in the quarter ended Jan. 28, down from $7.3 billion a year earlier. Although the chain’s reduced store portfolio contributed to the decline, same-store sales fell 10.3%, driven by an 8% drop at Kmart and a 12.3% at Sears.