Distribution

Milan, Italy – No matter how popular a company’s products might be, if they can’t reach consumers they won’t sell.

Global eyewear retailer Luxottica Group is recognizing this basic business fact with a new strategy to substantially increase distribution capacity in the U.S., China and Italy.

Wayfair is forming a partnership that aims to meet the basic needs of its core customers.

Plano, Texas – Reductions in labor hours and store expenses, as well as a sourcing and distribution initiative, helped boost profit at Rent-A-Center Inc. in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income rose 31% to $23.15 million, from $17.68 million the same quarter a year earlier.

Consolidated revenue also performed well, growing 6% to $815.34 million from $768.43 million. Consolidated same-store sales increased 7.5%, aided by especially strong performance in Mexico stores.

The e-commerce experience will be easier for retailers to execute and more enjoyable for shoppers this holiday season thanks to a dramatic expansion of a flexible fulfillment service UPS introduced last year.

Minneapolis – Supervalu Inc. beat Wall Street expectations for profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and also announced it is considering spinning off its Save-A-Lot grocery banner. Net earnings soared 42% to $61 million, from $43 million in the same quarter the prior fiscal year.

Cost of sales rose at a slower pace than net sales, aiding profit growth. Net sales rose 3% to $5.41 billion, from $5.26 billion.

Boston – Wayfair is meeting the needs of customers who need to get some sleep fast. The online retailer is partnering with Mattress Firm Inc. to let customers obtain same-day premium delivery of mattresses in most markets.

Shoppers will also have access to Wayfair.com’s more than 700 customer service team members, including mattress specialists for advice and insight.

Supervalu Inc. said it is considering spinning off its Sav-A-Lot stores into a separate business as the discount chain reported a big earnings increase for the first quarter.

Net earnings soared 42% to $61 million, from $43 million in the same quarter the prior fiscal year. Cost of sales rose at a slower pace than net sales, aiding profit growth. Net sales rose 3% to $5.41 billion, from $5.26 billion.

Atlanta - UPS is expanding the number of locations customers can pick up and drop off packages. The company is expanding the number of cities it offers the UPS Access Point network, which offers package pickup and drop-off at local businesses, primarily neighborhood convenience and grocery stores, dry cleaners and delicatessens with extended evening and weekend hours.