Distribution

It’s been quite a tumultuous few years for American Apparel. Between its signature oversexed ad campaigns, founder and former CEO Dov Charney’s fall from grace, and ongoing financial trouble, there’s no shortage of controversy surrounding the apparel company. Most recently, American Apparel filed for bankruptcy for the second time in 13 months amid a $66 million acquisition by Montreal-based Gildan Activewear Inc.   

A new billion dollar merger is reported about to rock the supermarket industry.   Albertsons Companies Inc. is in advanced talks to acquire Price Chopper, a privately held, New York-based regional grocery store operator, for around $1 billion, Reuters reported. Price Chopper operates some 130 stores in the Northeast, including New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.   

With the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reporting more than 1,000 forborne outbreaks annually, Walmart is taking a proactive stance.  

The contractor that flies packages for Amazon and DHL Worldwide Express, ABX Air, has asked a federal judge to force its striking pilots back to work as it looks to put an early end to what could be a major disruption to holiday deliveries, Bloomberg reported.   

Amazon continues to expand its already considerable fulfillment capabilities.    The online giant is set to open its third distribution center in Nevada, a move that will service customers in the southwest.   The new 800,000-square-foot facility, which will open in North Las Vegas, will employ more than 1,000 full-time workers who will pick, pack and ship larger customer items, such as big-screen televisions, kayaks and patio furniture.   

Dollar Tree on Tuesday reported a third-quarter profit that more than doubled compared to last year amid lower merchandise and freight costs. The retailer also lifted its guidance for the fourth quarter.    Dollar Tree’s net income for the quarter, ended Oct. 29, rose to a better-than-expected $171.6 million, or 72 cents a share, up from $81.9 million, or 35 cents a share, in the year-ago period. The prior year included some charges and markdowns related to the Family Dollar business, which Dollar Tree acquired in 2015.

The online retailer credited with disrupting the mattress category may be moving into the physical space.   Casper, which delivers its mattresses folded in a box, has plans to open a fleet of physical stores, according to help wanted ads placed on its website, according to the New York Post.   

Gap Inc. delivered another weak quarter as store closures outside of North America impacted its profitability and sales continue to slump at its namesake and Banana Republic divisions.   The retailer earned $204 million, or 51 cents per share, in the quarter ended Oct. 29. That compares with $248 million, or 61 cents per share, last year. Adjusted results were 60 cents per share, which matched estimates from FactSet.       

A familiar U.S. retailer will soon make its exit from the U.K. retail scene.    Staples, which operates some 105 stores in the United Kingdom, has agreed to sell its U.K. retail business and operations to Hilco Capital Limited. The use of the Staples brand in the U.K. will be phased out over the coming months.   In May, Staples announced plans to explore strategic alternatives for its European operations as part of its new strategy.  

Order pick-up is getting easier at Target stores.   In a posting on its website, the retailer detailed several enhancements to make it quicker and faster for shoppers who order online and pick up in a store.         To make it easy to spot designated Target team members who can help with orders, Target associates in 325 stores nationwide have been outfitted with “Order Pickup” t-shirts, and offer order pickup reusable bags be used throughout the holiday season and beyond.