Supply Chain & Merchandising

Hickory, N.C. --Third-party logistics (3PL) provider Transportation Insight is introducing a line of end-to-end e-commerce solutions. As a full-service 3PL providing domestic transportation, international logistics and warehousing services, Transportation Insight collaborates with e-commerce clients' existing transportation departments.  

The strategic partnership uses the best of the shipper's historic practices and advanced third-party logistics processes to achieve cost reductions, improve supply chain visibility and enhance customer service.

Third party logistics provider XPO Logistics completed its acquisition of Pacer International making it the largest provider of cross-border intermodal services with Mexico.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets has opened its second restaurant in Galerias Merida, Mexico. The 1,798-sq.-ft. location is situated in an upscale two-story shopping mall.

Galerias Merida is the fourth Johnny Rockets location for Johnny Rockets Guadalajara Group, who also operate three franchises in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Two additional Johnny Rockets locations are scheduled to open in Mexico later this year, one in Chihuahua and another in Mexico City.  

Columbus, Ohio — DSW Inc., Designer Shoe Warehouse has announced the opening of a new store in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on April 10. As of April 10, DSW will operate 407 stores in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

DSW also operates an e-commerce site at DSW.com. In addition, the company supplies footwear to 357 leased locations in the United States under the Affiliated Business Group.

Merrimack, N.H. -- Specialty retailer Brookstone Holdings Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with a plan to sell itself to Spencer Spirit Holdings, owner of the Spencer’s retail chain, for about $147 million. The purchase price comprises $120 million in cash, $7.5 million in new notes and about $18.5 million of assumed liabilities.

Under the agreement with Spencer Spirit, Brookstone would continue to operate its stores in malls and airports, along with its catalog, website and wholesale business, under the Brookstone brand.

The Bear Creek Country Kitchens brand is now part of the B&G Foods portfolio of brands following B&G’s acquisition of the dry soup line and other brands from Specialty Brands of America.

The Bear Creek brand of hearty dry soups is the largest brand in the Specialty Brands of America portfolio which also includes Spring Tree, Cary’s and MacDonald’s brand pure maple syrups, New York Flatbreads and Canoleo margarine.

Sylmar, Calif. – A new Vallarta Supermarkets store opens in Hesperia, Calif., on April 9. The 42,000-sq.-ft. location will offer specialty departments including a bakery, full-service meat counter, fresh produce, a hot food deli (Taqueria) with in-store dining, a shuttle service and a customer service department that offers check cashing, money transfers and utility bill payments.

Holmdel, N.J. — Levin Management has been named the exclusive leasing agent for Holmdel Crossing, a planned 140,000-sq.-ft. retail development in Holmdel, N.J.

According to Levin, pre-leasing efforts will focus on identifying anchor or junior anchor tenants that will drive the remaining retail tenancy,