Distribution

The retailer opened 11 new stores in the U.S. and Canada for the quarter ending Aug. 1, 2016. This adds to the 12 new stores it opened in the first quarter, bringing the total for the year to 23.    PetSmart is on track to achieve its goal of 80 net new stores in 2016.   The new stores average around 14,000 sq. ft., with service offerings such as grooming and pet training.  

Expect more FAO Schwarz-branded toys, in-store “experiences” and even possible freestanding stores in the very near future.    In an unexpected announcement, ThreeSixty Group said it has acquired FAO Schwarz from Toys “R” Us. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  Toys “R” Us purchased FAO Schwarz in 2009.    

Retailers that can improve ordering, fulfillment, delivery, and customer service are on their way to a holly, jolly holiday.   This is the message being conveyed by 500 shoppers surveyed in the “Consumers’ 2016 Holiday Shopping Expectations,” a report from Radi-al. Their responses revealed that they are not willing to negotiate when it comes to inventory visibility, free shipping or customer service this holi-day season.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods has a permanent CFO.   The retailer on Monday appointed Lee J. Belitsky as executive VP, CFO, effective immediately.   Belitsky assumes the responsibilities from André Hawaux, Dick’s executive VP, COO, who has served as the financial officer on an interim basis since August 2016. Hawaux will continue to serve as COO.  

Eyeing a strong holiday season, Pier 1 is working on a new fulfillment strategy to meet omnichannel shopper demand.   As the home decor retailer continues to focus on how to enhance its digi-tal channel, Pier 1 is turning its attention to drop-ship capabilities. By working with third-party suppliers, the chain will be able to augment its assortment, and “test new categories with much less risk using vendor-owned inventory,” Alexander Smith said during the company’s earnings call on Wednesday.   

Never mind going for the gold, REI has visions of platinum — LEED platinum, that is.    Outdoor retailer REI has designed its distribution center to be ‘Net Zero Energy.’ By creating a facility that produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, REI hopes earns LEED Platinum status — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) rating system.   

Farm-and-ranch industry leader Tractor Supply has always been interested in the pet business, and it even operates two standalone HomeTown Pet stores in Tennessee.

Walgreens is ready to shutter up to 1,000 stores, but no one is biting.   In accordance with the closing of its deal to purchase Rite Aid, the Walgreens Boots Alliance must sell or close between 500 and 1,000 of its stores. However, there is a lack of interest among private equity firms, according to an Investopedia article.   Walgreens still expects to move forward with the Rite Aid acquisition, which is slated to close in the second half of this year, the article said.