Supply Chain & Merchandising

ATLANTA — Foot Locker has rolled out retail technology provider RedPrairie's Enterprise Work force Management (EWFM) solution at approximately 2,700 retail stores throughout North America. Foot Locker, which operates retail brands Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction, CCS, and Champs Sports, partnered with RedPrairie to help enable store associates to offer exceptional, highly interactive customer service.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. announced it is supporting the American Association of Retired Persons’ “Work Reimagined” program and the 50-plus worker pledge.

“Work Reimagined” is a social network-based jobs program that connects employers seeking experienced workers with qualified professionals searching for new or more satisfying careers. The site (will leverage the platform of social media site LinkedIn to make the best connections between experienced workers and the best employers.

El Segundo, Calif. -- Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.'s quarterly profit beat Wall Street estimates, fueled by strong sales of apparel and footwear.

For the second quarter, ended July 1, the company posted net income of $2.6 million.

Sales rose 4% to $226.6 million, narrowly missing Wall Street estimates of $227.4 million, which the company attributed to July 4th-related sales shifting to the third quarter. Same-store sales increased 1.0%.

Memphis, Tenn. -- Discount-store operator Fred's Inc. said Wednesday that its same-store sales increased 1.2% during the four weeks ended July 28, helped by markdowns that increased customer traffic. The company also raised its earnings guidance for the second quarter, citing a tax settlement with the state of Tennessee.

Total sales for the month rose 5% to $136.7 million.

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters is raising its EPS outlook, thanks to stronger than expected sales for the second quarter.

The company's new second quarter outlook calls for earnings per share of 19 cents to 21 cents. Previous guidance called for EPS between 13 cents and 15 cents.

Net sales for the second quarter increased 11% to $740 million compared with $669 million last year. Comparable-store sales increased 9%, including sales from AEO direct.

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills has expanded its portfolio in Brazil with the acquisition of Yoki Alimentos.

“Today marks a new beginning for General Mills in Brazil,” said Sean Walker, General Mills SVPand president of its Latin America region. “Yoki has fantastic brands that have nourished Brazilian families for decades. We are honored that the family owners of Yoki are entrusting us with this fabulous business and its 5,300 people. We are poised to accelerate our growth in Brazil.”

Veteran consumer packaged goods executive Phil Dolci was named president and CEO of airgun manufacturer Crosman.

The Rocherster, NY-based company is the leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of products for the shooting sports under the Crosman, Benjamin, Centerpoint, Precision Optics, Game Face and Undead Apocalypse brands.

DALLAS — Haggar Clothing, which makes casual and fine apparel for men, has promoted two executives to key positions within the company's merchandising and sales organizations. 

Nancy Dowling has been promoted to VP merchandising and design. She previously served for three years as the director of design for men's casual for the Haggar brand.  Under her direction, the brand has increased market share by over 16%, adding innovative new products and collections to the Haggar brand offering.