Distribution

Batavia, Ill. – Discount grocer Aldi is launching a five-year strategic plan to open 650 new stores across the United States. The chain launched its expansion efforts with the decision to build its regional headquarters and distribution center in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Whirlpool is reaffirming its commitment to its U.S. manufacturing base by moving production of its commercial front-load washing machines from Monterrey, Mexico, to Clyde, Ohio.

Approximately 80-100 new jobs will be created in Clyde during the next three years to support this manufacturing relocation. The company expects the relocation to increase its operational efficiencies and align with its strategy of building products in the regions where they are primarily sold. Production of the font-load commercial washer platform is due to begin in the U.S. April 2014.

Port Washington, N.Y. -- In the week following Thanksgiving 2013 (Dec. 1 – Dec. 7, 2013), sales of mailing and shipping products were up 13% to $13.3 million, compared the previous year (Nov. 25 – Dec. 1, 2012). In addition, new analysis from The NPD Group indicates that within shipping and mailing categories, wrapping sales were up 52%, mailer sales rose 17% and packing tape sales grew 14%.

By channel, mailing and shipping product sales rose 14% in the brick-and-mortar channel compared to the same period a year earlier and 3% online.

Cheshunt, England – British supermarket and general merchandise retailer Tesco plc has reportedly applied to the Indian government for permission to buy a 50% stake in the Indian hypermarket chain Trent Hypermarket Ltd. According to Reuters, Tesco wants to open stores in western India and would become the first foreign retailer to open a supermarket in India.

North America’s largest chocolate producer has acquired an 80% ownership interest in the manufacturer of China’s popular Golden Monkey confectionary and snacks brand.

Walmart China CEO Greg Foran reiterated the company’s goal of accelerating Sam’s Club growth in the coming years with several published reports indicating the pace of Sam’s Club openings may eventually reach 10 units annually.

Cincinnati – Macy’s will build a major direct-to-consumer fulfillment center near Owasso in Tulsa County, Okla., to support continued sales growth driven by Macy’s omni-channel strategy. The company is expected to invest more than $170 million in the facility, including the latest technology in material handling equipment and warehouse management systems.

By John Cronin, Tiger Group, [email protected]

Westlake, Ohio -- TravelCenters of America said it has completed its acquisition of 31 convenience stores/gas stations in Kentucky and Tennessee for $67.9 million. The deal was first announced on Nov. 14.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us announced that, beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Dec. 21, it will remain open continuously through 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve, leveraging last-minute toy shoppers’ most frenetic shopping hours.

All Toys “R” Us stores nationwide are advertising around-the-clock savings and deals during the final 87 hours of Christmas shopping, along with daily deliveries through Christmas Eve. Only full-service stores in Paramus, N.J., and Puerto Rico, will not be open 24 hours a day.