Supply Chain & Merchandising

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart reportedly plans to improve efficiency in its China operation by eliminating 250 jobs, and also open nine new stores and a new distribution center in China by the end of 2014. According to Bloomberg, the positions that will be cut are mostly marketing and merchandising roles, along with some cuts in departments including tax and asset protection.

Mahwah, New Jersey - Ascena Retail Group’s first quarter profit topped estimates as strong online growth helped make up for falling same-store sales. The company, which operates the Lane Bryant, Cacique, Maurices, Dressbarn, Catherines, Justice and Brothers brands, reported net income of $53.5 million, compared to $52.6 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales of $1.2 billion for the first quarter were flat compared to the year-ago period. Same-store sales fell 4% while online sales surged 16%.

SAN BRUNO, Calif.- It was a very busy Monday—Cyber Monday to be more specific— for Walmart. The discounter said  that Cyber Monday 2014 (Dec. 1) was the biggest online day in its history for orders. Customers viewed more than 1.5 billion pages on Walmart.com between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.

Evansville, Ind. – Net income dipped to $10.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 from $10.9 million the same period the prior fiscal year. Net sales fared better, climbing 7% to $254.69 million from $235.77 million, ahead of previously issued guidance.

In a move to showcase its advanced shipping capabilities to holiday shoppers Amazon.com is touting the finer points of its eighth generation fulfillment centers.

The online giant said its eighth generation fulfillment centers embody two decades worth of software and mechanical innovations including extensive robotics technology from Kiva Systems, a company Amazon acquired several years ago.

Atlanta - The Home Depot has reached an agreement to purchase HD Supply Hardware Solutions, formerly known as Crown Bolt, a wholesale hardware supplier. The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal year 2014 subject to obtaining customary regulatory approvals.

The Home Depot is HD Supply’s largest customer and accounts for about 98% of its annual sales. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Seattle – The robots are coming to Amazon.com. According to the Associated Press, the online giant has deployed more than 15,000 wheeled robots in its distribution centers. The robots help bring items off shelves and out of bins to human employees for faster picking and packing.

Philadelphia - Investors are feeling bullish on upcoming retail opportunities in Philadelphia, and it’s evident as JLL’s Capital Markets experts announced the sale of One and Olney Square on behalf of BLDG and The Feil Organization. Wharton Realty Group purchased the center.

Anchored by ShopRite, the community shopping center totals 339,784 sq. ft. and includes tenants such as Dollar Tree, Modell’s and Burger King.