Supply Chain & Merchandising

Washington, D.C. – Apparently, a lot of fraud artists will get their names on the “naughty list” this year. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2014 Return Fraud Survey completed by loss prevention executives at 60 retail companies representing grocery, department, discount, specialty and small retailers, the industry will lose an estimated $10.9 billion to return fraud this year.   

Citing strong consumer demand for its products, Nike reported a big boost in revenue and profit for the second quarter.

“Our strong second quarter results once again demonstrate NIKE is a growth company,” said Mark Parker, president and CEO of NIKE Inc. “The power of our portfolio continues to unlock growth, as we keep a laser focus on our biggest opportunities. The breadth and depth of that portfolio has helped us consistently deliver strong results –- quarter after quarter, year after year.”

Poughkeepsie, New York - DLC Management Corporation announced its latest acquisition: The Shoppes at South Hills, a 518,000-sq.-ft. grocery-anchored power center in Poughkeepsie, New York.   This acquisition aligns well with DLC’s operations and features anchor tenants ShopRite, Burlington Coat Factory, Christmas Tree Shop, Hobby Lobby and Kmart. Other tenants include Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Bob’s Discount Furniture, and Chuck E. Cheese’s.   

Despite reporting a 33% year-over-year decline in profits during the third quarter, Pier 1 Imports CEO Alex Smith said he is confident in the chain’s value proposition going forward in 2015.

Indianapolis – The Finish Line Inc. reported an 11% improvement in net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, rising to $2.58 million from $2.32 million. Lower impairment and store closing charges, a slowed pace of growth in cost of sales, and an income tax benefit all helped spur the growth in profit.   Consolidated net sales were $395.8 million, an increase of 9% from $364.45 million. Same-store sales rose 4.5%.

By James Han, Tyco Retail Solutions  

Fort Worth, Texas – Pier 1 Imports Inc. met Wall Street expectations with a 33% year-over-year decline in profits during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income fell to $17.9 million from $26.8 million, with an increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses driving the reduction.  

Goodlettsville, Tenn. – Dollar General Corp. stated on Dec. 19 that it remains actively engaged in discussions with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the extent of potential divestitures that would be required in connection with an acquisition of Family Dollar Stores Inc. Dollar General does not expect to provide any further update prior to the Family Dollar shareholders meeting currently scheduled for Dec. 23, 2014.