Supply Chain & Merchandising

Seattle -- The marriage of brick-and-mortar with mobile e-commerce and the likelihood of more big-box stores moving into urban areas are among the nine trends to watch this year, according to commercial real estate services firm Colliers International.

The trends are detailed in Collier’s annual U.S. Retail Highlights: 2012 Outlook, an in-depth report that chronicles current retail conditions along with the trends that will shape the 2012 retail landscape.
 

SEATTLE — REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), a national outdoor gear and clothing retailer, has announced that Angela Owen has been named SVP marketing and Lee Fromson has become SVP merchandising. 

"With more than 50 combined years with the outdoor industry, Angela and Lee have a wealth of experience in driving innovation and leading essential company business units," said Brian Unmacht, REI's EVP. "They have well-deserved reputations for developing high performing teams and are highly regarded for their strategic leadership."

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart’s U.S. stores division regained customer traffic during the fourth quarter to post a 1.5% same-store sales increase and continues gather momentum as familiar strategies and effective marketing are resonating with customers, the company said Tuesday morning in conjunction with the release of quarterly results.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s fiscal fourth-quarter profit dropped 4.2%  on higher costs, but its U.S. business continued to draw in more shoppers.

Net income was $5.16 billion in the three months ended Jan. 31, compared with $6.05 billion in the year ago period. Net sales, excluding membership fees from its Sam's Club division, rose 5.8% to $122.3 billion.

CINCINNATI — Macy's continues to see improved financial performance, reporting fourth-quarter sales and earnings today that exceeded management’s expectations.

The company reported fourth-quarter earnings per diluted share of $1.74, compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.59 for the fourth quarter of 2010. Sales for the quarter increased 5.5% to $8.7 billion from $8.3 billion last year. Same-store sales for the quarter increased 5.2%.

Seattle -- REI announced that Annie Zipfel has been promoted to senior VP marketing. With her, REI will not hire a chief marketing officer as previously announced, but instead add a senior creative leader to the company.

Zipfel joined REI in 2012 as the divisional VP customer marketing, and was named VP of the marketing division in January 2014. Prior to REI, she held leadership and strategic roles at Target and General Mills.

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. reported a steep decline in fourth quarter profit this morning. Its results, however, were in line with its January warning to investors.

The chain posted a profit of $11.9 million, compared to a profit of $57 million in the prior year. Total fourth-quarter sales rose 5.9% to $1.39 billion. Same-store sales fell 1.4%. 
 

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company has announced that, effective Feb. 15, Gregory Sandfort assumed the title of COO in addition to his role as president. As planned, Stanley Ruta, who previously served as EVP and COO, retired from Tractor Supply Company effective Feb.  As part of this transition, Ruta served in the role of VP special projects since July 2011.