Supply Chain & Merchandising

Canton, Mass. -- Destination XL Group reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended Feb. 2 dropped to $4.2 million from $33.5 million in the year-ago period, as the company continued its transition from Casual Male to Destination XL.

Fourth-quarter revenue increased to $114.9 million, compared with $111.1 million last year, and same-store sales edged up 0.5%. By brand, DXL stores saw a same-store sales rise of 15% in the quarter, while Casual Male dipped 2.3%.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kid Brands, a manufacturer of juvenile and infant products has announced the appointment of Raphael Benaroya as president and CEO, effective immediately. The company intends to appoint a non-executive chairman of the board, although Benaroya will continue to serve as chairman until his successor is appointed, and is expected to continue to serve as a board member thereafter.

Mergers and acquisitions transaction activity in the U.S. retail sector jumped 39% in 2012 for deals greater than $50 million, while total deal value more than doubled. These gains point to an industry undergoing major changes, one that is attracting considerable interest from a wide range of players.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hibbett Sports reported that net sales for the fourth quarter increased 14% to $217.4 million compared with $190.7 million for the same period last year. Comparable-store sales increased 4.9% on a 13-week to 13-week period.

Net income for the quarter increased 22.3% to $19.4 million compared with $15.8 million for the same period last year. Earnings per diluted share increased 23.7% to 73 cents for the quarter compared with 59 cents for the same period last year. 

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports reported that net income for its fiscal fourth quarter increased a better-than-expected 22.3% to $19.4 million, compared with $15.8 million for the same period last year.

Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 14% to $217.4 million from $190.7 million in the year ago period. Same-store sales increased 4.9%.

Looking ahead, in its current fiscal year, the company expects to open 65 to 70 new stores, expand approximately 18 high-performing stores and close 15 to 20 stores.

Automated tools deliver on customer service and leverage operational efficiencies

Retailers are putting an increased emphasis and value on how and when they use their workforce. And in doing so, they are on the right path, according to research from The Wharton School. The study found the associate payroll was the most important factor in determining revenue. A mere additional dollar (properly applied) on labor could reap rewards of $4 to $28 in return.

New York -- Costco Wholesale Corp. will expand its Issaquah, Wash., headquarters, according to published reports on Friday.

The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce reported Friday that Issaquah's director of economic development, Keith Niven, said the club retailer would expand the headquarters to take up as much as 1.5 million sq. ft.

The Tacoma, Wash., News Tribune reported that the company currently takes up three buildings that are full.

Safeway president of merchandising, Kelly Griffith, was named to a new operational position, filling a void created by the retirement of EVP of retail operations Bruce Everette.