Distribution

After opening 75 stores in the fourth quarter and with expectations for 150 units this year brand powerhouse VF Corporation has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest growing retailers.

VF is best known for brands such as The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica that are sold through other retailers. However, rapid store expansion in recent years has seen the direct-to-consumer business steadily account for a larger percentage of sales.

New York -- Fast-growing VF Corp. continues its aggressive expansion. After opening 75 stores in the fourth quarter, the company plans to open a total of 150 stores this year.

VF, whose banners include Timberland, The North Face, Vans, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica, has long been known for selling products through other retailers. But in recent years it has stepped up its direct-to-consumer business via aggressive store expansion, and the channel is steadily accounting for a larger percentage of sales.

As the Pacific Maritime Association prepares to shut down U.S. West Coast ports from Feb. 13-16, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is issuing a public statement asking for direct White House intervention.

Sidney, Neb. - Incremental expenses related to the relocation of a distribution center in Winnipeg, Canada, as well as increased promotional and advertising spending, helped drive down Cabela’s Inc. net income 2% to $78.6 million from $80.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Total revenue increased 7% to $1.3 billion, from $1.2 billion. Although increased retail store revenue fueled total revenue growth, same-store sales fell 5.5%.

Wal-Mart Stores is giving a big boost to its Canadian operations even as Target shuts downs its failed Canadian venture.

New York -- Shipping operations will be suspended at U.S. West Coast ports over the coming long weekend, the Pacific Maritime Association announced Wednesday. The planned shut down comes amid  stalled labor talks between the companies and the union representing 20,000 dockworkers.

Mississauga, Canada – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly expanding its Canadian operation, even as chief rival Target is exiting the country after spending $4 billion in an effort to open stores there. According to the Wall Street Journal, Wal-Mart plans to spend $270 million on building 29 new Canadian supercenters and an expanded distribution network to support them.

Urban Outfitters Inc. set a record and beat Wall Street expectations with its sales for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2014.

Total net sales grew 12% to $1.01 billion from $905.86 million, setting a record for the company. Same-store sales, including direct-to-consumer sales, rose 6%. For the full year, total net sales increased 8% to $3.32 billion, from $3.09 billion, also another record. Same-store sales grew 2%. For both the fourth quarter and full fiscal year, strong growth in the wholesale segment helped push up total net sales.