Supply Chain & Merchandising

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s turnaround was called in to question on Tuesday as the chain posted a wider loss in its second quarter, hurt by a decline in tourist traffic at its flagship locations.     The teen apparel retailer also revealed that it expects to close up to 60 U.S. stores as their leases expire this fiscal year. On its quarterly conference call, company executives said the chain has flexibility to close even more stores, with about half of its U.S. leases expiring by the end of 2017, the Wall Street Journal reported.

On the heels of the biggest deal in its history, Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. has entered into yet another deal to expand its U.S. footprint.   The retailer has signed an agreement to buy 53 stores in Louisiana, primarily in the Baton Rouge market, from American General Investments and North American Financial Group for an undisclosed price.    

Nordstrom shoppers will now be able to purchase J.Crew apparel, as well as its sister brand Madewell.   Continuing to expand its partnerships with select brands, the department store retailer has entered into a new deal with J. Crew Group to sell an edited assortment of J.Crew apparel at select full-line Nordstrom and on its website beginning Sept. 12.       The assortment, to be featured in 16 Nordstrom locations, will include women's apparel, accessories and petites (online only).

Quik Mart Stores has made the move to LED lighting.      The Tucson, Arizona-based convenience store/gas station chain replaced the existing fluorescent and HID interior and exterior lighting with solid state LED lighting at 25 locations in the Tucson market.     The retrofit was completed by SCS Energy Solutions Corp.’s SCS Lighting Division, which also developed a solution for beverage and freezer cooler lighting, as well as enhancing existing merchandise displays.  

Convenience stores stand to benefit the most from a greying population. That’s according to new report from Fung Global Retail & Technology which looks at the impact of the growing 65-and-over population on global economies, industries and retail.   

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th is opening three stores on Sept. 1, two north of the border.   The retailer is set to open its first-ever locations in Canada’s Alberta province, a 31,900-sq.-ft. store at South Edmonton Common, Edmonton, and a 30,000-sq.-ft. store at CrossIron Mills, Rocky View.   In addition, the off-pricer is opening a 23,000-sq.-ft. store at El Paseo Square, Palm Desert, California, also on Sept. 1.    

Michaels Cos. said increased spending cut into its bottom line in the second quarter. The chain lowered its same-stores outlook for the rest of the year, citing a “choppy” retail environment.    For the quarter ended July 30, the company posted a profit of $35.6 million, compared with $35.7 million in the year-ago period, amid spending to integrate recently-acquired arts and craft wholesaler Lamrite West and the timing of distribution expenses.  

At the Converse Store on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, “customization maestros” help sneaker fans manufacture their dream shoe.