Supply Chain & Merchandising

Hefner Ace Hardware knows the only way to expand its breadth is to have data integrity and inventory accuracy.   This was not an easy task for the family-owned, independent operator. When the retailer become an official Ace Hardware dealer in 2015, the retailer tripled its inventory, “and now we maintain 30,000 SKUs,” said Jason Hefner, owner, Hefner Ace Hardware. “Because of that jump in our inventory levels, we needed a system that was better equipped for inventory management and analysis.”  

Dunkin’ Donuts is growing its footprint in Alabama and Mississippi.   The chain signed development agreements with two franchise groups to develop 17 locations throughout the two states during the next several years.   Existing franchisee Birmingham Donut Holdings plans to develop nine new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama.  The group currently operates 34 restaurants throughout Alabama and Florida.   

CBRE made known its intent to make an aggressive push in San Francisco with its December hire of Matt Kircher, a veteran of Terranomics with more than 20 years of leasing experience in Northern California. This week CBRE filled out the new director of leasing’s executive staff.   Joining Kircher are first vice presidents Jessica Birmingham, Annie Prupas, and Katie Singer; vice president Drew Greenspan; associate broker Meaghan Haley; senior GIS specialist Gary Palubicki; and client services coordinator Andrea Chavez.

The struggles — and exits — of former rivals has proved a boon for Dick’s Sporting Goods, which reported fourth quarter sales and earnings on Tuesday that beat the Street.       The company also announced aggressive store expansion plans.   

The Michaels Companies reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter and also issued an upbeat forecast for 2017.   Michaels reported net income of $193.5 million for the quarter ended January 28, up 6.3% from $183.7 million in the year-ago period.    Net sales increased 4.1% to $1.8 billion, from $1.7 billion in the year-ago period. The company attributed the increase largely to its February 2016 acquisition of Lamrite West and sales from 19 additional stores.  

Indianapolis-based Hhgregg has filed for bankruptcy.    The move came just days after the struggling chain announced a big wave of store closings.    In a statement, Hhgregg said it has reached an agreement with an anonymous party to purchase its assets, which will allow the company to exit Chapter 11 debt free “with significant improvement in liquidity for the future stability of the business.” Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.   

The DNA of Altar’d State is based on delivering a distinctive store experience and merchandise offerings, while always “standing out for good” in the world.  

Urban Outfitters Inc. ended its fiscal year more or less on target.    The retailer on Tuesday reported net income of $64.3 million, or 55 cents a share, just one cent shy of analysts’ estimates, and down from $72.9 million, or 61 cents a share, in the year ago period.   Total net sales rose 2% to $1.03 billion, matching Street forecasts.