Supply Chain & Merchandising

E-commerce home furnishings company Wayfair continues to lose money, but not as much as analysts had expected.

The company announced it posted a loss of 18 cents per share in the fourth quarter, below the 28-cent loss analysts forecasted. Wayfair generated $1.3 billion in net revenue last year, up 44% over 2013. Sales in its direct-retail segment, which consists of sales from five key brands, surged to $347 million as the number of active customers increased by 54%.

Springfield, N.J. – The impact of two replacement stores and a same-store sales increase of 2.5% helped boost net income at Village Super Market Inc. 146% to $6.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, from $2.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Sales rose 5% to $411.2 million, from $392.24 million.

Village Super Market expects same store sales in fiscal 2015 to range from a 1.5% to 2.5% increase.
 

American Eagle Outfitters reported better-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter, as an improved assortment and fewer discounts drove sales.

The teen apparel retailer said it earned $61.6 million, or 32 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, up from $10.5 million, or 5 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue grew 3% to $1.07 billion. Same store sales, which includes online sales, were flat, but they beat management forecasts.

New Albany, Ohio – It was tough going for Abercrombie & Fitch in the fourth quarter, with declines in both income and sales. Looking ahead, the company said its priorities include increasing comparable sales trends in both its U.S. and international stores, making strategic investments in its omnichannel business, ongoing expense reductions, and selective expansion in high-growth international markets.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Incorporated  announced plans to open a store in Centerville, Ohio, in the greater Dayton area.

Construction on the 70,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to begin in 2015, with a spring 2016 opening. It will be located in the Cornerstone at Centerville development. Oberer Development Company is the developer.

Troubled retailer Abercrombie & Fitch continued to be out of favor with its teen target market in the fourth quarter, with declines in both income and sales. 

Looking ahead, the company said its priorities include increasing comparable sales trends in both its U.S. and international stores, making strategic investments in its omnichannel business, ongoing expense reductions, and selective expansion in high-growth international markets.

The CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods says the growth of the retailer’s omnichannel network and improved marketing led to better-than-expected earnings in the fourth quarter.

Edward Stack, chairman and CEO at Dick’s, said the company reported a profit of $156 million, or $1.30 a share, up from a profit of $139 million, or $1.11 a share, a year earlier. Revenue grew 11% to $2.16 billion. Same store sales jumped 3.4%.

Target Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell unveiled a wide-ranging growth strategy that combines familiar concepts with dozens of new initiatives related to merchandising, digital, expense control, process improvement and a major shift in corporate culture designed to drive growth for the next five years.