Supply Chain & Merchandising

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears has introduced "Reserve It,” a free service that lets Shop Your Way loyalty program members identify apparel and footwear items in-stock at their local store, place them on hold and then try them on in-store. Members log in to their Shop Your Way account on Sears.com and select their local Sears store; apparel and footwear product searches will now show items in-stock at that specific store.  

Bentonville, Ark. –- Sam’s Club will launch its Black Friday sale online on Thursday, Nov. 27 just after midnight EST with free standard shipping on Black Friday items. Members can continue shopping in clubs starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28.

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index marginally dipped in October after two months of consecutive increases. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.    The Index, which comprises four components--tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices--decreased to 4.1 in October from 4.4 the prior month.      Highlights of the Index include:   

A Toys“R”Us executive will take over the top post at Brookstone, the product development company and specialty retailer that emerged from bankruptcy this year after being bought by a group of Chinese investors.

“We were impressed by Tom's success at rejuvenating businesses and by his broad and deep achievements as a senior executive in the retail industry,” Piau Phang Foo, chairman of the board of directors, said. “He has demonstrated success at driving innovation and growth globally."

Canton, Mass. –- Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisees ABDD Arizona to develop seven restaurants in Phoenix. The group's first restaurant from this franchise agreement opened Oct. 27.  

London -- Challenged to grow in the U.S., teen apparel chain American Eagle Outfitters is making good on its pledge to leverage the overseas market to kickstart expansion.   

Books-A-Million has appointed Ronald J. Domanico to serve as a member of the board and a member of the audit committee of the board.

“We are very fortunate to have identified a director of the caliber and experience that Ron possesses,” said Clyde B. Anderson, the executive chairman of the board of directors of the company. “Ron is a seasoned financial executive that brings a depth of experience in finance, strategy, and operational matters to our board.”

Chicago -- Accounting for over a third of grocery retailers' total sales, promotions are a top priority. Recognizing the profit potential, Australian retailer Woolworths prioritized the implementation of process improvements that would promote efficiency through its promotional strategies.