Supply Chain & Merchandising

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — Walmart is looking to offer shoppers ways to access Walmart both in-store and online with the launch of new mobile applications for iPhone and iPad devices.

Walmart said the free apps are the first of several mobile products to be rolled out from the recently formed @WalmartLabs group under Walmart's global e-commerce unit.

The updated iPhone app includes such new features as:

• Voice: Users can add items to shopping list by speaking, typing or scanning bar codes;

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Wednesday that it has launched an iPad app prototype for its retail leasing team to support the 98 million-sq.-ft. nationwide retail portfolio it manages. 

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General announced that throughout November, shoppers can record a message of gratitude or send a care package through www.dollargeneral.com/military.

Seattle -- Nordstrom Rack announced plans to open a store in San Diego. It will be the brand’s fourth location in San Diego.

The approximately 39,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open during fall 2012 at Carmel Mountain Plaza. Carmel Mountain Plaza is owned and managed by American Assets Trust.

 

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. announced the signing of a new credit facility with a consortium of financial institutions led by U.S. Bank.

The new $415 million, five-year credit facility replaces Cabela’s existing $350 million, five-year agreement signed in 2007. Additionally, the new facility may be increased to $500 million subject to certain terms and conditions.

WASHINGTON — A report released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates said that import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports has started to decline for the fall, and November is forecast at 1.9% below the same month last year.

The decrease is attributed to the fact that most retailers already have their holiday season merchandise either on their shelves or en route to their stores. 

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with father and son team, Jim and Drew Cownie for 12 new restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa.

The first restaurant is slated to open in 2012 and the remainder by 2018.

New York City -- Target Corp. is building a distribution center in Denton, Texas, the Dallas Business Journal reported.

The 360,000-sq.-ft. center is expected to open in March 2013.