Supply Chain & Merchandising

Private-equity firm Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire Gabriel Brothers (Gabe's) from Alvarez & Marsal Capital.   The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  

Finish Line missed analyst estimates for third quarter earnings, an issue the company blames on declines in its apparel and accessories categories.   The athletic specialty retailer reported revenue of $371.1 million for the 13 weeks ended Nov. 26, 2016. While this is an increase of 3.0% over the prior year period, it falls short of the consensus estimate of $411.61 million.   

Limited Stores LLC is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within weeks, Bloomberg reported, and will most likely liquidate its business.  

Just in time for holiday entertaining, BJ’s Wholesale Club members can now place deli and bakery orders online.   The service, which augments BJ’s e-commerce program, enables members to place orders for deli platters, sandwiches and 3-ft. subs, freshly baked cookies, pastries and customizable cakes and cupcakes. All merchandise is provided by Wellsley Farms, according to the retailer’s website.  

Holiday shopping is no longer what it used to be.    The rise of online shopping and mobile has transformed the way in which consumers purchase gifts. It is no longer black and white for retailers either, as cutting-edge platform and technology adoption is a pre-requisite in order to remain competitive. And all factors are causing new challenges related to managing and supporting back-office and customer-facing systems, as well as meeting evolving customer expectations.   

REI continues its efforts to lead on sustainable operations.    The retailer’s newest distribution center, in Goodyear, Arizona, has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum certification — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s green building rating system — making it the first DC in the U.S. to achieve both LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy.     

The future of retail is mobile. Yet, brands are failing to keep pace with consumer expectations.  

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported less-than-expected earnings for its third quarter, hurt by continuing higher expenses and flat sales.   The retailer’s profit dropped to $126.4 million or $0.85 per share, from $177.8 million or $1.09 per share in the year-ago period.    Sales inched up 0.1% to $2.96 billion, also lower than expected.