Supply Chain & Merchandising

Vestar has been retained as the property manager for Plaza Paseo Real, a grocery-anchored property in Carlsbad, California. With the addition of the 147,848-sq.-ft. center, Vestar will be managing more than 2 million sq. ft. or retail space in the San Diego area.   The center off Interstate 5 is anchored by Von's Pavilion and Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas and also houses Wells Fargo, Supercuts, GNC, Laseraway, and Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen.   

Luxury department store retailer Neiman Marcus is looking for relief from its heavy debt.   The company has hired Lazard Ltd. to explore debt restructuring options, but it is no immediate risk of bankruptcy, reported Reuters.   

A value-oriented regional department store chain could be the latest retail casualty.   Gordmans Stores Inc. is preparing to file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported, saying the filing could occur as soon as this month.    Founded in 1915, the Omaha-based retailer operates 106 stores in 22 states.  

No retailer is immune to theft — even discounters.   That’s why Dollar General has completed a speedy installation of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) solution from Checkpoint Systems chainwide.    The discounter began its journey by testing EAS pedestals and deactivation systems in a limited number of stores to determine the benefits of how visible EAS tagging deters shoplifting and protects high-theft inventory.   

Amazon is once again expanding its commitment to private label.   The online giant’s Elements line, which was originally launched as a baby products line, quietly introduced a vitamins and supplements category on Feb. 21 — the first addition to the Elements brand in years, according to TechCrunch.  

For good reason, retailers in recent years have sought to understand the shopping habits and preferences of the millennial generation. The oldest millennials, born in or after 1980, are now well into their thirties – and have certainly reached maturity as consumers. It’s now time to shift the focus and look at the next generation behind these millennials to see if they differ from their digital-savvy counterparts.    

KAI Total Pavement Management was recognized with Best Parking Lot Pavement Project award at the 2017 National Pavement Expo awards ceremony.   KAI Total Pavement Management received the award for the parking improvements project at the Target store in Kalispell, Montana.  

As the retail industry continues its digital transformation, chains need a new formula to best service its shoppers.   To achieve this goal, 70% of retail decision makers are ready to make changes to adopt the Internet of Things (IoT), according to the 2017 Retail Vision Study, from Zebra Technologies. The study analyzes the technology trends shaping the future of the global retail industry and enhancing the shopping experience.