Supply Chain & Merchandising

Big Lots plans to close down its wholesale operations, Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated International and Wisconsin Toy, by the end of the current fiscal year. The move is the latest in the company’s strategy to refine its business model and focus on its retail stores.

As things wind down for the wholesale business its inventory will be liquidated. The company says that it will assimilate employees into its retail operations wherever and whenever possible throughout the next 90 days.

Naperville, Ill. -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has approved the merger of Office Max Inc. and Office Depot, the retailers said in a joint statement on Friday. The companies anticipate completing the transaction after market close on November 5, 2013.  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has given Office Max and Office Depot clearance to proceed with their proposed merger. The companies anticipate completing the transaction after market close on Nov. 5, subject to the satisfaction of remaining closing conditions.

Columbus, Ohio -- Big Lots will close down its wholesale operations — Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated International and Wisconsin Toy — by the end of its current fiscal year as it concentrates its focus on its retail stores. The shuttering will result in the liquidation of the wholesale unit's inventory.

Hillshire Brands reported net sales of $984 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 — that’s a 1% increase from the prior year’s first quarter, driven by positive pricing and mix in the company's foodservice/other segment.

Retail net sales showed a slight dip of 0.7% in the quarter versus a strong prior year comparable. Favorable mix was more than offset by lower volumes and lower pricing, reflecting higher above-the-line marketing investment.

Publix credited its customer service for helping fuel third-quarter sale sales of $7 billion, a 5.6% increase from last year’s $6.7 billion. Comparable-store sales for the third quarter of 2013 increased 4.1%.

The company reported net earnings for the quarter of $359.9 million, a decrease of 2.3% from $368.4 million in 2012. Earnings per share for the third quarter decreased to $0.46 for 2013, down from $0.47 per share in 2012.

Gander Mountain has promoted Mike Owens to the position of president and COO. Owens was the company’s EVP and COO since joining in 2009.
 
“This is an exciting time for Gander Mountain, and we are very optimistic about our future,” said chairman of the board and CEO David Pratt, who has overseen a sizeable expansion in the past 18 months. “In Mike we have a true leader in driving further growth and success for Gander Mountain across our network of stores. I offer my personal congratulations to Mike on a well-deserved promotion.”

Dallas — Texas Family Fitness has leased space for a 21,367-sq.-ft. fitness center in The Colony, a Cypress Equities development that currently houses Aaron’s and Big Lots!. The fitness center plans to open in first quarter 2014.

The new center will mark the seventh Dallas-Fort Worth location for Texas Family Fitness. Retail Realty represented both the fitness center and the landlord in the transaction.