Distribution

New York -- Jones New York announced that it will close its 127 outlet stores and discontinue its wholesale business over the course of 2015.

The company said that it made the decision after a review of recent performance and outlook. Jones also said it will pursue strategic alternatives for the brand, which has long been a staple in mid-priced department stores. Its appeal, however, faded in recent years as department stores expanded their private label offerings.  

DSW Inc. is shifting titles and responsibilities within its executive ranks, with all changes effective Feb. 2.

Carrie McDermott, currently executive VP, sales and operations, will be appointed executive VP and COO.

In addition, Bill Jordan, currently executive VP and general counsel, will be appointed executive VP and chief administrative officer, adding IT to his portfolio of responsibilities.

Roger Rawlins, executive VP, omnichannel, will be appointed executive VP and chief innovation officer.

The Kroger Co. is getting more accolades from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this time for its efforts to reduce food waste.  

Brentwood, Tenn. – Tractor Supply Company Inc. announced strong results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, including a 17% year increase in net income. The retailer also said it will open 110 to 115 stores and build a new Southwest distribution center, in Casa Grande, Arizona, in fiscal 2015.

Tractor Supply’s net income rose to $112.1 million in the fourth, up from $95.9 million in the year ago period, fueled by the leveraging of store operating costs and reduced year-over-year incentive compensation expense.

Neither a surge in online sales nor a rebounding U.S. economy has been enough to lift Ikea, as the global furnishings retailer reported flat profits for 2014.

Ikea, which operates 315 stores in 27 countries, said net profit for its fiscal year through August rose 0.4% from the previous year to $3.76 billion, far slower than the 3% growth the retailer logged last year, and its 8% growth in 2012.

Analysts say the results show that IKEA is sticking to its strategy of lowering prices and broadening its e-commerce offering.

Overstock.com rode the wave of e-commerce during the holidays to an 18% increase in profits.

The online retailer said fourth-quarter revenues rose 18.3% to $470.4 million as the e-commerce heavyweight increased its average order size to $159.

The retailer also said its gross margin increased by 0.2% to 18.2% due to improved warehouse efficiency, lower inbound freight costs and reduced credit card fees.

Jones New York is closing all of its stores, discontinuing its wholesale business and will look at strategic alternatives for its brand, the company said.

The women's clothing company said it is making the move after a review of its recent performance and outlook.

Toronto – Lowe’s Canada plans to open 25 new stores in Canada during the next three years. This includes three new stores set to open later this year in Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Sault Ste. Marie

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. announced plans to build its first new distribution center in 15 years, a 900,000-sq.-ft. facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The new, $90 million center, set to open in 2016, will employ nearly 600 people after it becomes fully operational and will support the inventory and fulfillment needs of approximately 1,000 Rite Aid stores in the southeastern United States.

Rite Aid Corp. announced plans to build its first new distribution center in 15 years, a 900,000-sq.-ft. facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The new, $90 million center, set to open in 2016, will employ nearly 600 people after it becomes fully operational and will support the inventory and fulfillment needs of approximately 1,000 Rite Aid stores in the southeastern United States.