Supply Chain & Merchandising

Increased traffic and better than expected same store sales growth at U.S. stores were bright spots in the retailer’s fourth quarter earnings CEO Doug McMillon characterized as good despite a one cent increase in earnings per share. 

While Kmart has been closing many of its stores as it seeks to restructure the company, the retailer has quietly launched a pilot program to re-brand itself as K-Fresh.

The Chillicothe Gazette reports that the Kmart on North Bridge Street in Chillicothe, Ohio, has scaled back its hours and grocery offerings in preparation for its switch from a 24-hour supercenter to the retail chain's new K-Fresh concept.

Raleigh, N.C. – Specialty fashion retailer Vestique recognizes the importance of the POS as a platform for omnichannel retailing. That is why Vestique chose the Springboard Retail POS platform as a foundation for aligning multi-store inventory, training employees and improving customer engagement as the company expands across the Southeastern U.S.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon talks about changes at Walmart.

New York -- The Kmart store in Chillicothe, Ohio, has scaled back its hours and grocery offerings in preparation for its switch from a 24-hour supercenter to the retail chain's new K-Fresh concept, according to a report by the Chillicothe Gazette.

The newspaper reports that the K-Fresh concept has been piloted at two stores, one in suburban Chicago and another in Hawaii.

By Matthew K. Harding

With demand from national, local and franchise companies across a broad range of categories picking up markedly in the Northeast, this is an opportune time to take a look at the movers and shakers that are defining the next generation of retail tenancy. And interestingly, the most successful concepts are embracing a new reality that leverages technology and creative approaches for reaching consumers.

Categories to watch

Ikea is moving ahead with its strategy to expand its footprint in the Midwest by finalizing plans on a massive new distribution center in Illinois.

The retailer has submitted final plans to the City of Joliet, Ill., that would advance the development of its previously approved main Midwestern distribution center.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop reported $11.8 million profit for the fourth quarter, more than double the $5.4 million profit it reported in the year ago period, amid continuing signs of a turnaround. The company’s performance driven by strong sales of licensed characters, including a line of “Frozen” stuffed animals.

Revenue totaled $131.5 million for the quarter, up from $108.1 million last year.