Supply Chain & Merchandising

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe’s announced that Larry Stone, president and chief operating officer since 2006, will retire on June 2 -- his 42nd anniversary with Lowe’s. Stone has served in virtually every leadership position within store operations, merchandising and store environment during his career.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. --  It turns out the announcement earlier today by Walmart that Duncan Mac Naughton would serve as head merchant of the company’s U.S. division was but one component of a more extensive shakeup at the company.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity, free of the restructuring charges that put a dent into profits last year, said its first-quarter net income more than quadrupled, easily topping Wall Street expectations. The chain reported earnings of $5.2 million from October to December, compared with $1.3 million for the same period in the prior year.

Revenue increased 1.2% to $135.4 million.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Less than three months after joining Walmart’s merchandising organization as an executive VP, Duncan Mac Naughton on Friday was elevated to the role of chief merchandising officer for the U.S. stores division.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced today retail veteran Chris Capuano will join the company as senior VP and president -- Home Fashions. She will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and growth of the in-store and online merchandising of home fashions in both the Sears and Kmart formats.

Capuano most recently served as  executive VP GMM – Home and Footwear at Kohl's.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that retail veteran Chris Capuano will join the company as SVP and president home fashions. She will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and growth of the in-store and online merchandising of home fashions in both the Sears and Kmart formats.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- Tractor Supply Company reported that net sales for the fourth quarter increased 19.7% to $1.03 billion from $862.5 million in the prior year's fourth quarter.  Same-store sales increased 13.1% compared with a 0.7% increase in the prior-year period.  

Net income for the quarter was $50.2 million, or 67 cents per diluted share, compared with $37.3 million, or 51 cents per diluted share, in the prior year's fourth quarter.  

By Dave Mesko, [email protected]
It’s a shopper’s market. Today, consumers have an array of options when it comes to shopping and no longer have to remain loyal to one store. In order to grow and sustain loyal customers, it’s important that retailers provide a safe environment for shoppers.