Supply Chain & Merchandising

Sears Holding Corp. is making a timely expansion to its seamless “Meet With An Expert” service as it looks to engage with shoppers this spring.

Sears has extended its “Meet With An Expert” service introduced last fall to its lawn and garden department. The free service allows online shoppers to schedule in-store appointments with experts in specific product areas.

Rite Aid on Friday reported revenues of $8.3 billion for its fourth quarter ended Feb. 27, representing an increase of 20.8%. Retail Pharmacy Segment revenues were $6.8 billion and decreased 0.3% compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of a decrease in same-store sales. Pharmacy Services Segment revenues were $1.5 billion.
 

Retailers using the BigCommerce e-commerce platform will soon have access to a vastly expanded consumer base.

eBay and BigCommerce are launching a strategic relationship to enable BigCommerce merchants to seamlessly list their products and manage their inventory on the eBay marketplace. BigCommerce customers will have access and exposure to more than 162 million global active eBay buyers, who will be able to shop from an expanded product and seller assortment.

The sporting goods industry could be facing another major retail bankruptcy filing.

Vestis Retail Group, parent company of Eastern Mountain Sports, Sport Chalet and Bob’s Stores is preparing to file for Chapter 11 protection, according to Bloomberg.

Vestis Retail Group, which is owned by private equity firm Versa Capital Management LLC, could file as soon as next week, the report said.

A total of 425 new H&M stores are slated to open this year, including the new market of Puerto Rico, and the fast fashion retailer also will expand its e-commerce efforts to Japan and 10 additional markets.

The global retailer disclosed its aggressive physical and digital growth plans with the release of financial results for the period ended Feb. 29, which were negatively affected by the strong U.S. dollar. H&M is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Swedish retailer H&M will opens its 4,000th store as its expands its global footprint and ramps up e-commerce in 2016.

The company plans to open a total of 425 new stores this year, and expand its e-commerce efforts to Japan and 10 additional markets.

The global retailer disclosed its aggressive physical and digital growth plans with the release of financial results for the period ended Feb. 29, which were negatively affected by the strong U.S. dollar.

Thrive Market, a fast-growing fee-based online retailer that sells organic groceries, is expanding. According to TechCrunch, the company offers members wholesale prices and two-day shipping for $1.95 per order, or free for orders of more than $49. To read more, click here.

Amazon continues to elevate customer expectations throughout the retail industry with its latest move involving the availability of free same-day delivery service in 11 new markets.