Supply Chain & Merchandising

Omaha, Neb. – Net income at Gordmans Stores Inc. dropped 15% to $2.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, from $2.7 million the same period a year earlier. Increased selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs helped push down profits.

In 2015, the company plans to open six new stores, two of which opened in the Cleveland area earlier in March. Gordmans also plans to close one store later in 2015 when the lease term expires.

Houston – Mattress Firm Holding Corp. is revving up its growth in fiscal 2015, with plans to open 200 to 220 new stores.

A few months ago it seemed as though drone delivery was not going to happen for Amazon.com. Now the retailer's dreams of Amazon packages flying through the sky are a lot closer to reality, thanks to the FAA. 

Amazon.com has received preliminary approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to research, develop and test drone delivery -- but that doesn't mean customers can expect their orders to arrive by drone anytime soon.

A strengthening dollar hurt Tiffany & Co. a lot more than Wall Street was expecting in the fourth quarter, as the upscale jeweler reported a surprising sales decline.

Austin, Texas – Whole Foods Market is bringing fresh food to the people of Portland, Oregon, through its My Street Grocery program. Operating from a refurbished classic trolley car, My Street Grocery is a mobile grocer that travels to neighborhoods throughout the Portland metro area and is focused on improving fresh food access and building community.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us announced that it has named Reg McLay as senior VP, Babies “R” Us business, effective March 30.
     
McLay will lead the Babies “R” Us merchandising team in the U.S. in driving product innovation, as well as differentiation in services and offerings across its stores nationwide. He will report to Hank Mullany, president, Toys “R” Us, U.S.
 

Paris – French office supply retailer Bruneau has selected the Symphony EYC G.O.L.D. unified retail platform to optimize its supplier and inventory performance. Bruneau plans to deploy G.O.L.D. master data management, merchandise management, supply chain management and warehouse replenishment.

Commerce Calif. -- Value-oriented food retailer Smart & Final Stores Inc. plans to accelerate its expansion after posting double-digit sales growth in the fourth quarter.