Supply Chain & Merchandising

E-commerce solutions provider bolsters freight service
CINCINNATI — Aero Fulfillment Services, a national provider of e-commerce fulfillment solutions, is bringing back Jamie Hudgens, this time as product manager for Aero’s new freight management service, SmartShip.

Hudgens was most recently a regional director for the East Coast at Sunburst Analysis, advising clients on cost reduction. He was director of business development for Aero from 2005-2009. In his new role, Hudgens will build out the service to include inbound, outbound, LTL, container, rail and small parcel freight services.
Dollar Tree / Deal$ to open in Astoria, N.Y.
New York -- Dollar Tree / Deal$ has leased 8,000 sq. ft. on Steinway St. in Astoria, New York, according to SRS Real Estate Partners.

The SRS New York City office represented the tenant, and Lucid Vass Realty Group represented Astoria Properties Company, the landlord.

Why Walmart can’t be compared to Amazon

Amazon.com and Walmart.com both sell products online, but that’s where the similarities end despite frequent efforts to compare the two.
Kroger net income grows 10%

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Company reported better-than-expected net income of $481 million during the first quarter of this year, up nearly 10% from $439 million in the first quarter of 2012. The company also raised its forecast for annual earnings.

Total sales increased 3.4% from $29.1 billion to $30 billion and a 3.3% increase in same-store sales beat analyst projections of a 2.8% increase.
Pier 1 Imports enjoys solid Q1

FORT WORTH, Texas — Pier 1 Imports saw “significant” growth in sales and profit for the 15th consecutive quarter.
Pier I Q1 earnings up; raises guidance

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports announced a 14% jump in fiscal first-quarter earnings on Thursday and upgraded its full-year guidance.

The company reported net income of $20.3 million for the first quarter ended June 1, compared to $17.8 million for the year ago period.

Total sales were $395 million, a 9.3% increase from $361 million in the prior year quarter. Same-store sales rose 5.9% on stronger store traffic and higher average tickets.
Staples unveils new 'omnichannel' format

Norwoood, Mass., and Dover, Del., are home to two next generation Staples stores reflective of the company’s latest thinking when it comes to serving shoppers in a digital world.
Staples introduces omni-channel stores

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples has launched an "omni-channel" retail concept, opening a location in Norwood, Mass., and Dover, Del. The new format incorporate Staples online and mobile assets into the retail experience.
K2 beefs up e-sourcing team

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — K2 Sourcing has added former Walgreens purchasing and e-sourcing executive Dan Carlson to its e-sourcing team.

Carlson will be charged with helping to parse the company’s e-procurement applications and professional procurement services to its clients.
Loblaw testing small-store format

New York -- Loblaw Cos., Canada's largest grocer, is testing a small-store discount under the Box by No Frills banner.

The company debuted the concept in Calgary, in a 10,000-sq.-ft. store. The store everyday low price" on groceries and other merchandise, Sarah Davis, Loblaw's CFO said in a conference call Wednesday, The Canadian Press reported.

Supply Chain & Merchandising

E-commerce solutions provider bolsters freight service

Dollar Tree / Deal$ to open in Astoria, N.Y.

Why Walmart can’t be compared to Amazon

Kroger net income grows 10%

Pier 1 Imports enjoys solid Q1

Pier I Q1 earnings up; raises guidance

Staples unveils new 'omnichannel' format

Staples introduces omni-channel stores

K2 beefs up e-sourcing team

Loblaw testing small-store format