Supply Chain & Merchandising

Operating multiple brands and channels, Guitar Center has struggled in recent years with merchandising challenges such as omnichannel retailing, branding and selling a mix of new and used products.

JDA Software Group Inc. is releasing enhancements to its warehouse management solution designed to make it more accessible and responsive to real-time, omnichannel supply chain needs.

To maximize accessibility of warehouse management, JDA is embedding mobility into all aspects of the solution. Thus employees can use the application in any location without a workstation. This allows managers to track and observe employees executing their work on the floor, while allowing warehouse associates to accomplish tasks using touchscreens and visual guides on the floor.

Publix Super Markets is getting a new CEO after Ed Crenshaw announced his retirement on Wednesday.

The company announced that Crenshaw will step down effective April 30. Upon Crenshaw’s retirement, current company President Todd Jones will become president and CEO. 

Publix Super Markets named a new CEO to replace current chief executive Ed Crenshaw, who announced his retirement on Wednesday.

The company said that Crenshaw will step down effective April 30, 2016. Upon his retirement, current company president Todd Jones will become president and CEO.

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. -- Passco Companies has acquired Day Creek Village located in in Rancho Cucamonga, California for $15.8 million.

Day Creek Village is a neighborhood shopping center in the second largest submarket in California’s Inland Empire market. The 25,002 sq. ft. center is 100% leased and is shadow-anchored by a Ralph’s grocery store, and currently has 14 tenants, including Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Super Cuts, Subway, and Orange Theory Fitness.

Catering to a tech-savvy millennial shopper base, specialty retailer Zumiez Inc. cannot afford to offer a Gen X-style customer experience.

To meet customer expectations of being able to purchase goods anytime, anywhere, via any mix of channels they choose, Zumiez needed a flexible, customer-focused platform. In 2015, Zumiez ran a multi-store pilot of the Starmount Customer Engagement suite platform.

Retailers frequently misjudge the omnichannel needs of their shoppers when they visit stores.

According to a new study of 500 consumers and 150 retail decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K. by Forrester Consulting on behalf of RetailNext, “Real-Time Data Drives the Future of Retail,” only 49% of consumer respondents feel they receive consistent seamless experiences across all channels.

Warm weather, as well as layoffs in the oil and gas industry hindered sales Boot Barn during the holiday quarter.

Boot Barn announced preliminary results for the third quarter ended Dec. 26 as follows:

• Preliminary net sales increased 49% to approximately $194 million;

• Opened 5 new stores and completed the rebranding of 19 Sheplers stores;