Supply Chain & Merchandising

Cranston, R.I. -- Boston-based The Wilder Cos. said that Pottery Barn is opening a new store in Garden City Center, as part of the first phase of a plan to expand, reconfigure and redevelop the historic shopping center.  

Pottery Barn will be the larger of two stores located in a new 20,000-sq.-ft. building, and is expected to open at Garden City Center in February 2013.

Harrisburg, Pa. -- Dollar General Corp. will locate its new distribution center in Bethel Township, Berks County, Pa., creating more than 500 jobs in the area and facilitating the retailer’s expansion in the state.

PHILADELPHIA — Pep Boys CFO Ray Arthur has resigned from the company in order to pursue another business opportunity, the company announced Monday. Arthur will continue in his duties until June 29. The Company has engaged Russell Reynolds to conduct a national search for Arthur’s replacement.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble saw revenue increases across all of its segments, but it was its digital segment, lead by Nook, that helped narrow its net loss for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2012.

Barnes & Noble's consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter increased 0.4% to $1.4 billion as compared with the prior year. Net loss for the quarter improved 3% as compared with the prior year to $57.7 million, or $1.08 per share.

New York -- Zumiez Inc. on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy Austria-based Blue Tomato for 59.5 million euros ($75 million). The teen retailer also raised its second-quarter revenue outlook.

Blue Tomato sells branded snowboarding and skating gear, apparel and footwear through its e-commerce website, which is available in 15 languages, and five stores in Austria. The company will continue to be headquartered in Schladming, Austria, and senior management will continue in their current roles.

Chicago -- Harbor Freight Tools recently signed a lease for 20,000 sq. ft. of space at Bricktown Square in Chicago, according to Mid-America Asset Management, which represents the center.

The tool retailer held the grand opening of its first urban Chicago store on June 13.

The 277,489-sq.-ft Bricktown Square is anchored by Babies ‘R’ Us, Sports Authority and XSport Fitness, with area tenants including Target, Loews, Jewel/Osco and Office Depot.
 

PHILADELPHIA — Plans for a new distribution center near Philadelphia will allow Dollar General to more effectively replenish its rapidly expanding store base.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer recently joined the U.S. Environment Protection Agency's GreenChill Partnership. Created as a voluntary partnership, GreenChill members focus on reducing refrigerant emissions and decreasing their impact on the environment and ultimately people's health. By joining GreenChill, Meijer is pledging to meet higher standards that go beyond the regulatory requirements to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.