Supply Chain & Merchandising

Lowe's expects to complete its West Coast acquisition of 72 Orchard Supply Hardware stores by the end of August. When that happens, current CEO Mark Baker will be replaced at the helm of Orchard Supply by Lowe's executive Richard D. Maltsbarger.

Baker, a former Home Depot executive, took over the Orchard Supply job back in March of 2011. According to the press release announcing the move, Baker "informed Lowe's of his decision to accept a position as president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots association following the closing."

Savannah, Ga. -- Citi Trends Inc. lost $5.5 million for the period ended Aug. 3, compared to a loss of $7.9 million in the same quarter a year earlier.
 
Revenue rose 4%, to $137.8 million from $132.3 million, nearly matching Wall Street’s prediction of $138.1 million. Same-store sales were up 1.7%.

Target produced solid profits on tepid second quarter sales growth but joined the growing list of retailers to express reservations about the health of the consumer during the back half of the year.

Target said its U.S. stores produced a 1.2% same store sales increase during the second quarter ended August 3, and total sales increased 2.4% to $16.8 billion from $16.5 billion during second quarter last year. Operating profits grew at a meager 0.4% rate to $1.33 billion from $1.32 billion.

Cincinnati — Phillips Edison-ARC Shopping Center REIT has acquired Paradise Crossing, a 67,470-sq.-ft. shopping center anchored by a Publix grocery store.

Located in Lithia Springs, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, Paradise Crossing is 93.7% occupied. When combined with the Publix lease, 64% of the rents for the center derive from national tenants.

The acquisition brings the REIT’s portfolio to 50 grocery-anchored properties, with an aggregate portfolio purchase price of approximately $729.6 million.

Pomona, Calif. — The Cal Poly Pomona Foundation plans to open a Shop24 automated convenience store at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in September.

The store will serve residents at the University Village, a student housing facility with more than 1,300 residents. Shop24 is a totally automated and refrigerated convenience store designed for 24/7 access.

Toano, Va. -- Lumber Liquidators announced the next phase in its multi-year supply chain optimization initiative with the planned construction of a new distribution center in Henrico County, Va., and the leasing of a new West Coast distribution center in Pomona, Calif.
 

Signs of a rebounding housing market were evident in Lowe's sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 2, which were $15.7 billion, up 10.3% from $14.2 billion in the same quarter last year.

Comp-store sales for the world's second-largest home improvement retailer were up 9.6%, as net earnings jumped 16.2% to $1.48 billion.

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples said Wednesday that its second quarter net income dropped 15% amid store closings, declining traffic and lower sales of computers, ink and toner. The retailer also cut its full-year earnings and revenue forecasts, citing the weaker-than-expected results.

Staples earned $102.5 million for the period ended Aug. 3, compared to $120.4 million last year.