Supply Chain & Merchandising

By Mark Kirstein, Zebra Technologies

In an article that appeared in National Real Estate Investor (NREI) Online on April 10, author Elaine Misonzhnik describes the recent store closure announcements from Walgreens and Pier 1 as part of a larger pattern of retailers “pursuing portfolio optimization and an omnichannel approach.” While I generally agree with that statement — and with the notion that increasing pressure from online sales growth is contributing to a more competitive brick-and-mortar environment — I was reminded once again of just how different the dynamics behind store closings can be.

Those who failed to grasp the significance of the iPhone when it launched in 2007 are not going to make the same mistake twice with the introduction of the Apple Watch –- a wearable technology device that hit the market April 24 with some well-deserved hype and considerable transformative potential.

New York -- Simply Fashion Stores Ltd. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and announced plans to liquidate nearly all of its assets. In its filing, it noted that the “exact plan” for the future of the company is still being refined.

The Birmingham, Alabama-based urban fashion retailer, which caters mostly to African-American women, operates some 250 stores in 25 states.

New York -- Target Corp. is responding to customers frustrated by their inability to buy items from the chain’s Lilly Pulitzer collection. The limited-edition line went live in the stores and online Sunday morning, with most of the items selling out within minutes.

Staples Inc. has made a change in a key executive position even as the company awaits regulatory approval for a pending merger with Office Depot.

Staples said it has named Peter J. Scala as executive vice president, merchandising, effective immediately. Scala will report to Demos Parneros, president, North American stores and online, and will be a member of the company’s executive committee.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly eliminating the position of zone manager in its stores as part of a plan to strengthen store managers that was first announced in February 2015. According to Bloomberg, Wal-Mart will transfer the responsibilities of zone managers, who oversee multiple departments, to department managers.

Overwhelming demand for Target's Lily Pulitzer collection caused a shopping frenzy over the weekend both in stores and online.