Supply Chain & Merchandising

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. reported Friday that its third-quarter loss widened after correcting for a computer problem that caused an error in prior results.

The retailer posted a revised loss of $3.1 million for the quarter, instead of the $1.8 million loss previously reported. That loss compares to a profit of $4.3 million in the year-ago quarter.
 

Stein Mart released restated third-quarter results Friday that showed an upwardly revised loss that wasn’t quite as bad as originally feared.

C’mon people. Christmas comes the same time every year and every year there are those scrambling to make last-minute purchases. Walmart is looking to appeal to this shopper segment with some interesting solutions that leverage its multichannel capabilities and give new meaning to the phrase “last minute shopping.”

The company’s Pick Up Today service was being aggressively promoted with email marketing and social media efforts to remind gift-givers products ordered online by noon on Christmas Eve would be available for pick up in store by 6 p.m.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation said it was pleased with the decision by federal regulators to allow truck drivers to continue driving 11 hours a day, but expressed concern over a new requirement for longer weekly breaks.

There were no new surprises during November regarding prices at Walmart, but then that is to be expected. The everyday low price strategy to which Walmart has a newfound adherence is boring and that’s the way the company and presumably its customers like it.

San Francisco -- Christopher & Banks Corp. reported Thursday a loss of $28.2 million for the quarter ended Nov. 26, widened from a loss of $9.2 million in the year-ago period and reflecting a one-time charge.

Sales rose to $123.9 million, from $120.9 million a year ago, matching Wall Street expectations. Same-store sales for the quarter were flat. 

Enfamil Newborn baby formula was quickly pulled from shelves at 3,000 Walmart stores earlier this week following the death of an infant in Missouri, the Associated Press reported.

Walmart’s online business may have gained ground this holiday season, but Amazon.com doesn’t plan to cede its leadership position, and this week announced plans for two new distribution facilities.