Supply Chain & Merchandising

Matthews, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Friday rejected the sweetened, $9.1 billion take-over bid made by Dollar General on Sept.

New York -- California is on track to become the first state in the United States to impose a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. Lawmakers passed the bill last week, and California governor Jerry Brown on Thursday said he would probably sign it into law.  

The legislation would ban single-use plastic bags from supermarkets and drug stores in 2015, and from convenience and liquor stores in 2016. The bill would allow stores to charge 10 cents for paper or reusable bags.

Target is expanding its TargetExpress format outside the Minneapolis area for the first time. The retailer plans to open two new stores in San Francisco’s financial district and Berkeley, California, in March 2015.

Seattle - Starbucks Coffee Company will launch two new store formats in fiscal 2015, include a smaller-format concept aimed at urban commuters and a more premium store concept — Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room — dedicated to the chain’s highbrow Reserve brand of coffees.

Just a few days after electing a whole new board of directors, Alco announced that newly elected director Stanley B. Latacha will assume the role of interim CEO, effective immediately.

Brisbane, Calif. – Bebe Stores Inc. reported a preliminary net loss of $24.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2014, up from $20.8 million the second quarter of the prior fiscal year. The loss includes costs related to the discontinuation of Bebe’s 2b business, which was shut down July 5.

Net sales were $103.6 million, a decrease of 9% from $113.5 million. Same-store sales dropped 1.9%.

Jim Wiggett, CEO, remained optimistic in his comments about Bebe’s future:

Coppell, Texas – Alco Stores Inc. has named director Stanley B. Latacha as Interim CEO, effective immediately. Richard Wilson, who served as CEO for the past four years, has left Alco by mutual agreement with the board of directors.

Latacha has more than 30 years of retail experience, including overseeing turnarounds at Richman Gordman, Goody's, and more recently Pamida.