Supply Chain & Merchandising

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.  

Aldi is ready to introduce its brand to price-sensitive Chinese shoppers.   The German discount supermarket chain plans to start selling online in China this month, a move that will expose Chinese consumers to a selection of German wine, snacks and breakfast products, Reuters reported.    

Wet Seal was acquired at a bankruptcy auction by a firm that plans to rebuild the brand.    Gordon Brothers announced it is acquiring the Wet Seal brand and its related intellectual property. The transaction is pending final court approval.   The acquisition includes the other brands within the Wet Seal portfolio, including Arden B, Blink, Chic Boutique and several others.   

Big Lots on Friday posted an unexpected decline in total revenue in its fourth quarter as a reduced store count cut into its sales. But the chain’s earnings topped the Street.      The close-out retailer also boosted its dividend and initiated a new share buyback program.  

Virginia’s new law is a coup for robotics.   The commonwealth is the first state to pass legislation allowing delivery robots to operate on sidewalks and crosswalks across the state, according to ReCode.  

Amazon’s drive-through grocery store in Seattle is beginning to come more into view.    USA Today reported that Amazon has applied for a liquor license for the store, which the Internet giant has yet to comment on.   

Hhgregg is cutting lose its weakest locations.    The struggling chain said it plans to close three distribution facilities and 88 stores as part its effort to improve liquidity and return to profitability. The closings, expected to be completed by mid-April, will leave the retailer with 132 stores.   The announcement comes just days after the New York Stock Exchange delisted Hhgregg for failing to meet the minimum listing requirement, and amid rumors the chain plans to file for bankruptcy protection.