Supply Chain & Merchandising

Boot Barn says its integration of the Sheplers chain helped the company report is 23rd consecutive increase in quarterly same store sales.

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM has partnered with Tractor Supply Company to revamp and migrate the retailer’s online operation to provide Tractor Supply customers with an easier way to connect, browse and shop for goods and services online.

At the heart of the solution is a completely redesigned website for Tractor Supply that provides optimal viewing across all devices, easier integration with social media pages, and a simplified check-out process.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is offering a limited-time promotion aimed at back-to-school shoppers that provides free shipping for all U.S. online orders. The promotion, which runs through Aug. 15, also includes free returns on all orders, with some restrictions on oversize items.

Downers Grove, Ill. – FTD Companies Inc. was provided a substantial financial boost in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 as a result of its December 2014 acquisition of floral gifting company Provide Commerce. The added business helped almost quadruple net income to $17.8 million from $4.7 million in the same period the previous fiscal year.

Consolidated revenues were $365.8 million, roughly double $168.1 million. New revenue from Provide Commerce, as well as increases in consumer and florist revenue, drove the sales growth.

The CEO of Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc. pledged to get the company back on track after a flooring scandal led to another decline in revenue for the company.

Currency fluctuations and promotional costs led Etsy.com to report another lackluster quarter of financial results, as the retailer warned more trouble may lie ahead.

The New York-based e-commerce site for handmade and vintage goods blamed currency headwinds and marketing expenses for a loss of $6.35 million in the second quarter ended June 30. That was wider than the $3.15 million reported a year earlier. Sales rose 44% from a year ago to $61.4 million, matching the sales growth from three months prior.

Columbus, Ohio -- Retail and brand consultancy Fitch has announced a new senior appointment in North America.
 
Michelle Fenstermaker returns to Fitch in the role of strategy director. She will lead the team and be responsible for spearheading strategic planning and vision for Fitch North America.

Neiman Marcus plans to grow sales by investing in technology, working with new designers and expanding its footprint, according to IPO paperwork the retailer filed with the SEC.