Distribution

New York -- The consumer electronics and furniture sectors of the retail industry can look forward to growth in 2015, while the apparel sector faces a more mixed outlook. That was the message sounded by CIT Commercial Services executives during a roundtable discussion, "Everyone Looks Good in the Black: Retailers in the Economic Rebound,” part of the CIT Executive Insights series.

During the discussion, each CIT executive offered their views on the top trends they see ahead in various sectors of the retail market:

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts is growing its presence in the Hoosier state. The company has signed multi-unit store development agreements with two existing franchise groups to develop 46 restaurants in Indiana during the next several years.  

Oak Brook, Ill. - Ace Hardware Corp. is the latest retailer to explore the potential of same-day delivery. The retailer recently launched a pilot of its Express Delivery program in select stores across the country.
 

Leading branded footwear company Wolverine is eyeing 2015 as a year to focus on omnichannel and expansion.

The parent company of Stride-Rite, Merrell and other brands says it is poised to realign its resources to address a fundamental shift in consumer shopping behavior and allow for greater focus on important omnichannel initiatives.

By Frank Layo, Kurt Salmon

First the bad news: The chronic congestion tying the West Coast ports in knots is on track to cost U.S. retailers some $7 billion this year, and losses could total nearly $37 billion by the end of 2016.

And the good news? At the moment, there doesn’t seem to be much to speak of.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Company is taking its coffee to an entirely new level as it continues to target consumers who are willing to pay for super-premium brews. The company said Tuesday it will offer online customers subscription delivery of its small-lot coffees.

Philadelphia - Urban Outfitters Inc. plans to relocate its Trenton, South Carolina e-commerce fulfillment center to Gap, Pennsylvania. Construction of the new one million-sq.-ft. fulfillment center in Gap is on schedule to be complete by July 2015.

Rockford, Mich. -- Wolverine Worldwide posted fourth-quarter net income of $10.7 million, following a $1.7 million loss for the year-ago period. The company said it is increasing its brand-building investments in 2015, focusing on omnichannel initiatives and international expansion.