Supply Chain & Merchandising

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco's sales for October rose 9% to $7.67 billion from $7.01 billion during the similar period last year.

Total comps for the month increased 7%, consisting of a 7% increase in the United States, and a 9% increase internationally. Excluding the impact of fuel, U.S., international and total same-store sales increased by 5% each.

New York -- The TJX Cos. turned in the strongest performance among the discounters in October, reporting a 7% comp sales increase on Thursday.

According to TJX CEO Carol Meyrowitz, the above-plan performance has prompted the retailer to raise its outlook for the third quarter and full year. “We believe the momentum we are seeing in all of our businesses … bode well for the holiday selling season,” she said.

TJX sales for the period advanced 11% to $2.1 billion.

By Shelley E. Kohan, [email protected]

When reviewing month-to­month sales results, saw tooth performance of 2012 has left many retailers wondering the fate of holiday this year. Early predictions for holiday comp sales results have hinted to low single digits.

Atlanta -- RedPrairie and JDA Software, providers of enterprise software and services for the extended supply chain, have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The combined entity will offer a broad portfolio of solutions and services to manage global supply chains -- from raw materials, to finished products, into the hands of consumers -- through any channel.
 

NCR Corporation got a big order from Walmart this week that will allow the retailer to expand its self-checkout capability and potentially attract shoppers turned off by Walmart’s long checkout lines.

NCR said it would be installing 10,000 of its SelfServ Checkout lanes in more than 1,200 Walmart stores. That works out to about eight self checkouts per store, although the companies didn’t provide details concerning Walmart’s installed base of self-checkouts.

Centerville, Ga. -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced that Gemini Real Estate Advisors has awarded the firm the leasing and management of Houston County Galleria, a 483,893-sq.-ft. regional shopping center located in Centerville, Ga., and anchored by Belk, J.C. Penney and Sears.

Jana Reeves will continue on as the center’s general manager, said Jones Lang LaSalle.
 

BURLINGTON, N.J. — Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse reported that net sales for the third quarter ended Oct. 27 were $967.8 million compared with $898.7 million for the comparative period ended Oct. 29, 2011, a 7.7% increase. Comparative-store sales increased 2.1% for the quarter.

New York -- As the holidays approach and retailers are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, October same-store sales results showcased consistent strength in the department store category.

Nordstrom led the pack with a 9.8% rise in same-store sales for the month, and Macy’s Inc. had a solid showing as well.