Distribution

New York -- West Coast port congestion issues could cost retailers as much as $7 billion this year, according to an analysis by Kurt Salmon. Work stoppage threats and major trade associations’ calls for federal intervention have retailers and consumer products companies on high alert.
 

Canton, Mass. - Dunkin' Donuts is recruiting franchisees to develop an estimated 10 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout Birmingham, Alabama, and the surrounding areas. In addition, a number of existing operating restaurants may be available for purchase.

Currently there are 21 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants operating in Alabama.

Melville, N.Y. -- A&G Realty Partners, a leading commercial real estate, advisory and investment group, has been retained by RadioShack to manage the sale of retail store leases and warehouses following the company's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

London -- British women’s activewear brand Sweaty Betty plans to expand its presence in the United States. The London-based company has received a strategic growth investment from U.S. private equity firm Catterton. Sweaty Betty operates more than 40 stores in the United Kingdom, and two in the United States, where it also recently launched a website.

New York -- In a surprise move, Kate Spade & Company announced it is closing all 19 of its lower-priced Kate Spade Saturday stores and all 12 of its Jack Spade menswear stores. Both brands will remain in the luxury company's portfolio, with Kate Spade Saturday being folded into Kate Spade, and Jack Spade being sold at other retailers and online. The company also announced a new joint venture to speed its growth in China, where it sees a long-term potential for 100 stores.

Dublin, Calif. -- Ross Dress for Less will open two new stores in the Houston area on March 7.

The stores are located in the Center at Pearland Parkway in East Pearland, 15 miles from downtown Houston; and Ravenwood Village Shopping Center in Huntsville. With these new locations, Ross will operate 170 stores in Texas, its second largest state.

Together, Ross Dress for Less and dd’s Discounts currently operate over 1,300 off-price apparel and home fashion stores in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.
 

Arlington, Va. -- A breakdown in contract negotiations between labor and management at America’s west coast ports is threatening to turn a work slowdown into a full-scale strike, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) warned.

It’s the end of an era that never really began for Target Canada as three of the biggest names in the asset disposition world begin store closing sales at Target’s 133 Canadian locations.   Gordon Brothers Group, Hilco Global and Great American Group were the successful bidders at a Jan. 27 auction and secured approval from Target Canada and an order from a Canadian court to manage the store closing process for Target’s 133 Canadian locations.