Supply Chain & Merchandising

Sellers of opening price point apparel may find themselves at odds with outdoor lifestyle brand Patagonia, which has embarked on a coast-to-coast tour to encourage people to repair their clothes rather than buy new.

New York -- The socially conscious outdoor brand Patagonia has embarked on a coast-to-coast tour to encourage people to repair their existing clothes rather than buy new ones. The message, which reflects the brand's socially conscious, environmental positioning, comes at a time of rising popularity for lower-priced fast-fashion items that sometimes are discarded after just a couple of wearings.

The president of Saks Fifth Avenue has resigned after 15 months at the department store chain’s helm.

Saks parent company Hudson’s Bay Company announced that company veteran Marc Metrick, 41, has replaced Marigay McKee as president of Saks Fifth Avenue.

New York -- Belk Inc., the largest family owned and operated department store chain in the United States, is exploring strategic alternatives. The news was first reported by Reuters on Thursday, and was confirmed later in the day by the retailer in a statement issued to media outlets.
 

Rite Aid's pharmacy and front-end divisions helped the retailer post a 4.3% gain in same store sales for March. 

Austin, Texas -- Christopher & Banks Corp. has selected Epicor Retail solutions (from Epicor Software Corp.) to streamline operations and support its omnichannel "customer first" strategy.

The retailer plans to leverage a broad solution set that includes Epicor QuantiSense retail business intelligence and analytics and Epicor ShopVisible order management and digital commerce solutions.

Liquidation leaders in merger deal Retailers looking to realize maximum value when they close stores or liquidated inventory have a new ally following the merger of two industry leaders.

Gordon Brothers Group and AccuVal-LiquiTec announced that Gordon Brothers Group’s Valuation & Advisory Services Division and AccuVal-LiquiTec have entered into a merger to form Gordon Brothers-AccuVal.

The newly formed group will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Gordon Brothers Group, already one the world’s leading disposition and appraisal firms.

Minneapolis — Target Canada announced that it will complete its inventory liquidation efforts and close the last of its 133 Canadian retail stores to the public on April 12.