Supply Chain & Merchandising

IRVING, Texas — Michaels reported net sales of $993 million for the first quarter ended May 4, an increase of 1.5% from $978 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. 

Although same-store sales decreased 0.7% due to a 3% decrease in transactions, it was offset by a positive 1.7% impact from a higher average ticket and a positive 0.6% impact in deferred custom framing revenue. Michaels experienced its strongest sales increases for the quarter in custom framing and yarn.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Thursday that net income for the first quarter dropped to $19.3 million, from $28.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue declined 3.5% to $423.2 million, compared to $438.5 million last year, and same-store sales fell 5.5%.

YORK, Pa. — Inclement weather was not enough to hold back Bon-Ton’s first quarter results for the period ended May 4. 

The company saw same-store sales increase 1.2% compared with the first quarter of the year prior. Total sales for the quarter were $647 million, a 1% increase from $641 million for the first quarter last year.

New York -- A Reuters report citing unnamed sources said that Belgian grocer Delhaize is looking to sell its U.S.-based Sweetbay and Harveys units as the Food Lion parent looks to ramp up cost-cutting efforts here.

The sources told Reuters that Delhaize has retained Lazard Ltd. to sell off the two supermarket businesses. CEO Pierre-Olivier Beckers said the company was looking at options for the units, but didn’t comment directly on whether advisors had been appointed to conduct the sale.

New York -- Rue21 shareholder Apax Partners will acquire the teen apparel retailer in a deal valued at about $1.1 billion. The private equity firm, which has a 30% stake in rue21, also owns Cole Haan and Takko Fashion as part of its retail portfolio.

Rue21 said it has set up a special committee of independent directors to solicit and evaluate higher bids during a 40-day go-shop period.

Chesapeake, Va. – Dollar Tree reported record net sales for first quarter 2013, with consolidated net sales of $1.87 billion, an 8% increase from $1.72 billion during the same quarter of the prior year. Net income totaled $133.5 million, and same store sales grew 2.1%, on top of a 5.6% increase recorded during first quarter 2012. Dollar Tree estimates full fiscal year net sales will range from $7.81 billion to $7.97 billion.

Dollar Tree president and CEO Bob Sasser said he is pleased with the first quarter results.

Miami -- Burger King Worldwide announced Thursday that it has expanded its meal delivery program to include Las Vegas and Sacramento, Calif.

The BK Delivers program, which currently delivers meals to homes and offices in New York, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., will now have six participating restaurants in Sacramento and eight more in Las Vegas implementing the service.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Responding to Monday’s tornado in the Oklahoma City area, Walgreens mobilized increased shipments of essential supplies to its area stores, made an initial donation of three semi-trailers of food, water and first aid supplies to the Oklahoma chapter of the American Red Cross and offered customers an opportunity to make donations at its Oklahoma drugstores.