Distribution

Gordmans enables growth in underserved markets with new technology platform

When Gordmans Stores Inc., the Omaha, Nebraska-based chain of 95 Midwestern discount stores, decided to expand into underserved markets in the central U.S., the retailer discovered its legacy IT systems would not adequately support its planned growth. Outmoded applications across a range of functions in the enterprise created such problems as the setting of a double-digit limit for location numbering.

Clothes aren’t the only thing big at Destination XL as evidenced by a double digit third quarter comp increase aided by omnichannel integration.  

Sales at Destination XL increased 5% to $93.6 million, compared with $88.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Same store sales increased 5.5%.  

Coppell, Texas – Bankrupt retailer Alco Stores is going out of business, and closing its 198 stores, a victim of both the economy and the changing retail landscape.   

New Albany, Ohio - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has entered into a franchise agreement with Grupo AXO to establish a retail store presence in Mexico. The franchise arrangement, the first in the company`s history, will encompass both the Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister brands.  

Walmart is fulfilling its promise earlier this year to make a big investment in solar energy: The retailer has accepted bids from SunEdison and SolarCity to install as many as 400 new solar systems on its facilities over the next four years.  

Canton, Mass. – Destination XL posted a loss of $6.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, up from a loss of $4.1 million the same quarter a year earlier. Transition costs, including lease exits and pre-opening costs, contributed to the growing loss.  

Alco Stores is offering retailers a cautionary holiday tale this Christmas as going-out-of-business sales have begun at the regional discounter’s 198 locations.