Supply Chain & Merchandising

New York -- DSW has closed on its acquisition of Town Shoes Limited, the largest footwear and accessories retailer in Canada, for $68.7 million in cash. DSW acquired a 49.2% interest in Town Shoes from certain clients of Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) and other minority shareholders.

DSW's initial stake provides 50% voting control and board representation equal to the primary remaining shareholder, Callisto Capital. Peter J. Solomon Company served as financial advisor to DSW Inc.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop said that Michael Shaffer has been appointed to the company’s board of directors.

Shaffer, 51, will serve as chairman of the audit committee and a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee. He is executive VP, COO and CFO for New York-based PVH Corp. where he oversees the retail division, treasury, corporate finance, information technology, and logistics services.

Speakers at the recent Momentum 2014 conference held by Manhattan Associates in Hollywood, Florida, discussed a wide variety of supply chain topics. However, one theme that ran through many sessions was the expanded range of competition retailers face from a multitude of sources and channels. Properly meeting this competition requires a rethinking and broadening of supply chain strategy.

Hong Kong - Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. has named Cathy Marie Robinson as senior VP, global operations effective. Robinson has 24 years’ experience in operations, logistics and supply chain management at various retail companies, and since 2012 was senior VP, chief logistics officer at Toys “R” Us.

Atlanta - Consumer year-over-year spending growth of 4.1% gained momentum in April 2014 compared to the prior month’s growth of 3.1%, driven by warmer weather as well as the Easter shift into April this year, according to First Data SpendTrend analysis. The report, which tracks same-store point-of-sale data by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks from nearly four million merchant locations serviced by First Data, shows transaction growth of 3.5% in April,  compared to March’s 2.7% growth.

Michaels has enhanced its online presence with the launch of its new site that enables shoppers to make online purchases from any computer, tablet or smartphone.

The new site goes beyond the typical online shopping experience, according to the company, with project ideas and one-click shopping lists for projects all in one place. It also features "Favorite Pins" — projects and products that are trending on Pinterest from Michaels.com.

Phoenix - DM Analytics, a provider of retail-focused software solutions, has added a Tag and Sign system to a comprehensive application suite that also incorporates ordering, receiving, shelf price audit and inventory modules. The system is aimed at supermarkets, drug stores, dollar stores, hardware, consumer electronics/appliances, furniture/home furnishings, liquor, auto parts, hobby/crafts, pool supply, and other hardlines retailers.

Speakers at the recent Momentum 2014 conference held by Manhattan Associates in Hollywood, Florida, discussed a wide variety of supply chain topics. However, one theme that ran through many sessions was the expanded range of competition retailers face from a multitude of sources and channels. Properly meeting this competition requires a rethinking and broadening of supply chain strategy.