Distribution

DHL is helping high-volume retailers speed up “the last mile” of their omnichannel shopping experience.   DHL eCommerce, a division of logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group, is expanding the functionality of its fulfillment centers in Columbus, Ohio, and Riverside, California. Specifically, the logistics company is investing in storage and mechanization to support the growing needs of its U.S.-based e-commerce retail partners that ship between 300 and 15,000 orders per day. They will also manage both B2C and B2B transactions.

1-800-Flowers.com’s latest business move puts the company in a strategic position to more cost-effectively expand its assortment.     The gifting retailer said Wednesday that Ferrero International S.A will acquire the company’s Fannie May Confections Brands, including its subsidiaries Fannie May Confections and Harry London Candies.   

The nation’s largest consumer co-op reported a solid year amid ongoing sustainability achievements.     REI reported annual revenues of $2.56 billion in 2016, up 5.5% from $2.42 billion in 2015.    Same-store sales, which include direct to consumer sales, rose nearly 4% and digital sales grew by nearly 18%.  

In a move that will help it focus on its North American stores, Staples is selling its Australia- and New Zealand-based operations.   Staples announced Tuesday, March 13, that private equity firm Platinum Equity will acquire these stores for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2017.  

There is another development in Walgreens’ quest to acquire Rite Aid.  

Gordmans Stores is the latest chain to file for bankruptcy.   The 100-year-old chain announced on Monday, March 13, that it filed Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska.  

Ulta Beauty is getting ready to break ground on its newest distribution center.  

Hibbett Sports posted fourth-quarter sales that missed predictions, even as earnings were in line with forecasts.   Net sales for the 13-week period ended Jan. 28, increased 0.5% to $246.9 million compared with $245.7 million in the year-ago period.   Same-store decreased 2.2%. Apparel and equipment both experienced declines in comparable store sales, while footwear continued to show stronger sales with a mid-single digit increase.