Supply Chain & Merchandising

The Tori Richard brand is a staple in Hawaii, but it’s taking steps to expand sales across the continental United States.   A company founded as a women's wear brand 60 years ago in Honolulu, has since become an internationally recognized men's and women's resort wear brand available in its 17 stores and approximately 2,500 wholesale accounts, including in Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. This breadth contributes to sales that span across the main-land U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. 

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is about to get a new owner.    Restaurant Brands International Inc., owner of Burger King and Tim Hortons, announced it would acquire Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for $1.8 billion in cash.  

Toys “R” Us is the latest company to downsize its workforce.   The toy retailer laid off between 10% and 15% of the employees at its Wayne, New Jersey headquarters — approximately 250 jobs — on Friday, Feb. 17, Forbes said.   

Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, comments on Macy’s fourth quarter results:   

A new company is interested in The Limited.   Sunrise Brands LLC has bid for the bankrupt apparel retailer’s e-commerce business and intellectual property, a move that challenges a $26.3 million offer from private equity firm Sycamore Partners, Reuters said.   

The Wendy’s Co. is bullish on expansion.   The chain wants to add approximately 1,000 locations by 2020, reported Nation’s Restaurant News.    

It’s closing time for MC Sports.   The chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 14, is closing all 66 of its stores across the Midwest. A joint venture between Tiger Capital Group and Great American Group is conducting the going-out-of-business sales, which are now underway.  

Exceptional customer service is key to driving long-term customer loyalty — and once again, B&H Photo Video, The Home Depot and Zappos are blazing the path.     For the second year in a row, these three heavy hitters topped the 20th Annual Mystery Shopping Study. The report from Astound Commerce recognized retailers who excel in customer service through an assessment of “must-have” website features and behavior based on engagement with available touchpoints.