Supply Chain & Merchandising

Washington, D.C. -- Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 8.5% in September compared with the same month last year, and strong increases are expected into the holiday season despite talk of a possible strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has expanded its line of private brand consumable products with the introduction of approximately 70 new items.  The new products are available in stores now and include primarily health and beauty products and cleaning products.

Retailers and suppliers efforts to conduct commerce more efficiently are poised to benefit from the merger of two of the nation’s leading supply chain standards-setting groups.

South Plainfield, N.J. -- Bryn Mawr, Pa.-based WP Realty and Angelo, Gordon & Co. said that the pair has Oak Park Commons in South Plainfield, N.J.

Oak Park Commons is a one-story, 136,939-sq.-ft. community shopping center anchored by A&P Supermarket in 60,025 sq. ft. and includes a mix of national, regional, and local tenants. It is currently 76% occupied.
 

Philadelphia -- Three-fourths (75%) of retailers forecast an increase in holiday sales this year, according to a survey by Hay Group, a global management consultancy.

The annual Seasonal Staffing Survey report also finds that retailers have more confidence in holiday hiring plans. While 57% of retailers plan to hire seasonal workers at the same level as 2011, 36% say they will be hiring more. This stands in contrast to 2011 when just 10% planned to hire more seasonal workers than the year prior.

Woodland Hills, Calif. -- Casual Male Retail Group is taking a new approach with merchandising and store set-ups for the nationwide roll-out of its DestinationXL (DXL) format, which brings together its value, mid-range and luxury men's apparel under one roof. The chain has outsourced the store set-up function to Great American Group, Woodland Hills, Calif.

WASHINGTON — Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 8.5% in September compared with the same month last year, and strong increases are expected into the holiday season despite talk of a possible strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Rocklin, Calif. -- Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Donahue Schriber announced the start of construction on Rocklin Crossings, a 543,500-sq.-ft. power center located just east of Sacramento, in Rocklin, Calif.

Anchored by Walmart, Rocklin Crossings is one of two sister-shopping centers being developed by Donahue Schriber within the city. Together, they will offer over 900,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurants providing a regional shopping and entertainment destination for Rocklin.