Supply Chain & Merchandising

New York City-based RCS Real Estate Advisors has announced a bid deadline of June 16, 2016 for the remaining available leases of retailer Hancock Fabrics.
 
RCS began the process of selling the retailer's leases following Hancock Fabrics' February bankruptcy announcement. Hancock Fabrics operated 250 retail stores in 37 states when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 2, 2016. Spence Mehl, senior VP of RCS, made the announcement.
 

Specialty home furnishings retailer Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. (RH) had what could be termed a messy start to the fiscal year.
 
RH swung to a net loss of $13.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to net earnings of $7.2 million the prior year period, falling short of Wall Street expectations. Revenue grew 8% to $455.5 million from $422.4 million, but also missed projections. Increases in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative (S,G&A) expenses helped push the retailer into the red despite improving sales.

Purdys Chocolatier, a 74-unit Canadian chain based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has launched a new digital shopping experience.
 
The company is leveraging the Aptos Digital Commerce platform with integrated Aptos Enterprise Order Management. Purdys operates stores in several Canadian provinces and also operates an e-commerce business throughout North America. The retailer’s new fully responsive website replaces two legacy e-commerce systems, enabling it to support singular commerce and seamless experiences.
 

Bob Dylan sang “The Times They Are A Changin’” more than 50 years ago, but the sentiment is very current in the world of digital commerce.

Target is reportedly requesting that many of its suppliers assume up to 3% to 5% more of the cost of promotions and price reductions on some items.

According to Reuters, at least 12 Target suppliers have confirmed they were asked to pay for more of the promotional cost for a variety of slow-moving products. Target reported declining sales in its most recent fiscal quarter and publicly said it would likely enter an extended promotional period.

Bob Dylan sang “The Times They Are A Changin’” more than 50 years ago, but the sentiment is very current in the world of digital commerce.

Bebe Stores Inc. is building upon efforts to turn itself around and boost its international presence.
 
The specialty apparel retailer, which launched a China growth plan in 2015, has entered into a joint venture with Bluestar Alliance LLC to license its brand domestically and globally. Bebe has received $35 million in connection with the formation of the joint venture.
 

CVS Health on Tuesday announced that the first CVS Pharmacy locations in Target stores are now open in Washington.