Supply Chain & Merchandising

The CEO of Overstock.com says the company is poised to take advantage of growth opportunities from "crypto-initiatives" and other means as the retailer posted an increase in revenue in the second quarter.

CEO Patrick Byrne said the company's launch of what it calls a "digital corporate bond", or a cryptocurrency-based security, based on bitcoin will fuel expansion and growth for the company.

A familiar face has returned to lead Dollar General’s merchandising organization following the departure of David D’Arezzo who leaves the 12,000 unit retailer after serving as chief merchandising officer for 20 months.

New York — Ron Johnson’s newest venture has secured a big round of additional funding.

Enjoy Technology, the online e-commerce start-up founded by the former J.C. Penney chief and Apple store executive, announced it has secured $50 million in a round of Series B funding led by Highland Capital.

Seattle – Online jewelry retailer Blue Nile Inc. had profit and sales results in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 that crested beyond Wall Street expectations. Net income rose 4% to $2.3 million from $2.2 million the same quarter a year earlier.

An increase in interest and other income, as well as cost of sales growth that did not match the growth pace of sales, drove the increase in net income. Net sales rose 7% to $113.69 million from $106.57 million.

Petco is making several changes to its leadership team as the retailer focuses on key omnichannel initiatives.

The pet specialty retailer announced that CEO Jim Myers will also be taking on the role of chairman, Brad Weston has been named president, Steve Lossing has been named senior vice president of operations, and Rebecca Frechette has been named senior vice president in charge of merchandising.

Phoenix — Sprouts Farmers Market has a new CEO.

The company announced a leadership succession plan, effective Aug. 6, whereby CFO Amin Mereda has been appointed CEO. Doug Sanders, currently president and CEO, ascends to the role of  executive chairman.

San Antonio – Convenience and fuel store operator CST Brands Inc. was not able to rev up profits and sales to Wall Street expectations in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Increased total operating expenses helped drive net income down 22% to $25 million from $32 million a year earlier.

Operating revenues also fell 22%, to $2.55 million from $3.26 million. Lower per gallon selling prices for both the U.S. and Canadian retail segments, as well as a weaker Canadian dollar, negatively impacted revenues. 

One of Whole Foods Market's key buyers and longtime employees has been honored by one of the leading nonprofit trade associations in the United States.

Cathy Strange was honored with the American Cheese Society's Lifetime Achievement Award on July 30 at the organization’s annual conference in Providence, R.I.