Supply Chain & Merchandising

Things are looking up for Toys “R” Us.   The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer posted a 20% increase in operating profit and reduced its net loss for the second-quarter amid reduced costs, including the expense of running its now-shuttered Times Square flagship.    In addition, the retailer announced it successfully reached an agreement to refinance all of its 2017 notes and a portion of its 2018 maturities.  

Tom Cruise isn’t the only one with “a need for speed.” Now it is also a business imperative for online shoppers.  

Tiffany & Co. has hired Mark Erceg to become its next executive VP and CFO, effective Oct. 18, 206.   Erceg, 47, who will be responsible for the company’s worldwide financial, indirect procurement and information technology functions, replaces Tiffany’s former CFO who left the retailer in May.   Previously, Erceg was with Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, where he has served as executive VP and CFO since May 2015.  

Weiss Markets is expanding its store portfolio.

The retailer plans to convert 38 Food Lion supermarket locations to Weis Markets stores. Weiss Markets has completed the purchase of 38 Food Lion stores and plans to convert the locations to the Weiss banner by the end of October. The acquired stores are located in the states of Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Retailers can learn how to develop a strategic process for reducing one of their major facility operating expenses — energy — at Chain Store Age’s upcoming webinar, Understanding and Controlling Energy Costs in Retail.   

Morrisons is leveraging its partnership with Amazon to deliver the next wave of convenience for its time-starved shoppers.   The United Kingdom-based grocer plans to install hundreds of Amazon Lockers throughout its supermarkets this year, a move that allows customers to pick up Amazon orders at the store rather than wait for a home delivery.   

European consumers seem to be taking the adage, “buyer beware” very literally.

Unsure whether their online purchase will satisfy their needs until it actually arrives, 54% of shoppers reported they think about returning an item before they have even purchased it. And this mindset runs the gamut from decisions about apparel and electrical goods to home decor and furniture, according to “Making Money Out of Returns: The Essential Guide to Managing International Returns,” a report from fulfillment provider B2C Europe.

Shopping online shouldn’t be an overwhelming task.   To help its members better navigate its digital club experience, BJ’s Wholesale Club enhanced its online and mobile shopping sites with streamlined membership processes, enhanced search and navigation features, and an improved online assortment.