Supply Chain & Merchandising

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has added two industry veterans to lead the company’s marketing and merchandising divisions. The company has named Jim Wright as SVP of marketing and advertising, and Megan Featherston as SVP of merchandising.

Montreal -- Canadian retailer David’s Tea has named Sylvain Toutant as president and CEO. He will be responsible for all operations at the company and oversee its growth in Canada, the United States and around the world. He will also serve on the board of directors.

Most recently, Toutant was president of Keurig Canada, where he accelerated growth through a strategic alliance with Keurig Green Mountain in the United States. He also headed Keurig's operations in the United Kingdom.

Omnichannel retail company Delia’s, which markets apparel, accessories and footwear to teenage girls, is looking for a new CFO. Current financial chief David Dick has resigned and will remain with the company through Aug. 1.

Washington, D.C. -- Online shopping is showing rapid growth compared to the rest of the retail trade sector, with the number of establishments growing 27.4% between 2011 and 2012, according to new U.S. Census Bureau statistics released today. Drawn from County Business Patterns: 2012, the new data provides the only detailed annual information on the number of establishments, employees and payroll for nearly 1,200 industries at the national, state and county levels.

Solid sales growth at Costco during the second quarter and a 6% same store sales increase at U.S. clubs did not translate into strong profits for the warehouse club operator whose earnings fell shy of analysts’ estimates.

Nashville, Tenn. — Opry Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Tennessee, has expanded its staff with the addition of three new professions. Natalie Smailis has been named marketing/tourism coordinator. Jamie Phillips will serve as guest services manager. Billy Patton will step into the role of director of operations.

Speedo USA has expanded its relationship with Sports Authority and is launching a Speedo Aquatic Zone “shop-within-a-shop” retail concept at four Sports Authority locations.

Memphis, Tenn. – Fred’s Inc. cited higher income taxes as contributing to declining net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Net income totaled $6.1 million, down 46% from $11.4 million in the same quarter in the previous year.

Fred's total sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 were $498.3 million, down slightly from $501.5 million for the first quarter last year. Same-store sales for the quarter declined 1.9%.