Supply Chain & Merchandising

Dallas -- Zale Corp. narrowed its net loss in the fourth quarter to $8 million, from $19.7 million a year ago. Despite the loss, the retailer reported its first profitable fiscal year since the financial crisis in 2008.

The New York press has been all abuzz over the latest news about Nordstrom’s new Manhattan digs – that the West 57th Street space is officially Nordstrom’s.    

The first OfficeMax Business Solutions Center arrived in Chicago on Wednesday following the small format store’s introduction earlier this year in Milwaukee.

Purchase, N.Y. — National Realty & Development Corp. www.nrdc.com has announced that Old Navy and GNC will open stores at Orange Plaza, an 815,000-sq.-ft. power center in Middletown, N.Y. Old Navy has taken 13,500 sq. ft. GNC will occupy 1,500 sq. ft.

Wal-Mart Supercenter, The Home Depot, Kohl’s Department Store, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, Bed Bath & Beyond and Staples anchor the center, which draws from a 12-mile radius with a population of 157,000.
 

Express delivered solid second quarter results, buoyed in part by e-commerce sales which once again experienced a double-digit increase.

Same-store sales increased 6%, up 1% from the year-ago quarter. Factoring into that same-store sales increase were the company’s e-commerce sales, which were$59.9 million, up 27% from last year’s $47.2 million.

Net sales for the quarter increased a better-than-expected 7% to $486.2 million, from $454.9 million. Net income rose 7% to $16.8 million from $15.9 million and was in line with Wall Street expectations. 

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. reported a profitable second quarter of fiscal 2013, with year-over-year increases in net income, net sales and same-store sales. Net income rose 7% to $16.8 million, in line with Wall Street expectations, from $15.9 million. The retailer raised its full-year guidance and also announced plans to launch its outlet business in the second quarter of next year.

Net sales for the quarter increased a better-than-expected 7% to $486.2 million, from $454.9 million.

Fort Myers, Fla. -- Chico’s FAS reported an 18.4% decline in second quarter net profit, after increased promotional activity took a toll on same-store sales. 

Chico’s net income totaled $43.6 million from $53.4 million in the year-ago period.

Generating revenue through electricity contracts

The U.S. retail and wholesale establishments make up one of the largest sectors of electricity consumption in the nation. And they’re likely to use even more within the next few years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, whose recent annual report indicates that commercial and industrial entities will lead domestic growth in primary energy usage through 2040.