Distribution

New York -- Foot Locker Inc. said Wednesday that it will buy German athletic store chain Runners Point Warenhandelsges (RPG) for 72 million euros ($94 million) as it expands in Europe.  
 
RPG, which had sales of $254 million for 2012, operates more than 200 stores — with its most prominent banners being Runners Point and Sidestep — as well as an online subsidiary, Tredex. Most its stores are in Germany, although there are also Runners Point and Sidestep locations in The Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland.

Davenport, Iowa -- Some retailers just keep growing, despite economic headwinds, fickle customers and competitive pressures. The family-operated, 140-year-old Von Maur department store company, based in Davenport, Iowa, is one of those retailers. In an exclusive video interview, Chain Store Age senior editor Katherine Boccaccio spoke with Jim von Maur, president, about the chain’s strategy and how it keeps growing in an uncertain economy.

San Diego -- PriceSmart announced that for the month of April 2013 net sales increased 10.7% to $176.1 million, from $159.1 million in April a year earlier. For the eight months ended April 30, 2013, net sales increased 11.0% to $1,483.8 million.

For the four-week period ended April 28, same-store sales for the 29 warehouse clubs open at least 13 1/2 full months increased 9.6%, compared to the four-week period last year.

Mississauga, Ontario -- Target announced the soft opening dates for 24 locations in Western Canada, with 22 stores opening on May 7 and two  opening on May 14.

The openings, which include stores in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, follow the opening of 24 stores across Ontario. As previously announced, Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart reported Monday that it has restated its 2011 periods and first quarter 2012 results, released its full-year 2012 financial numbers, and said it will unveil several key initiatives in 2013.

For the fourth quarter, net income was $13.5 million, compared to $5.9 million last year. Sales surged 11.4% to $368.6 million from $331 million, and same-store sales increased 6% in the quarter.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Dematic, a global supplier of logistics systems for factories, warehouses and distribution centers, announced that Jay Leno will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 Material Handling & Logistics Conference in Park City, Utah, Sept. 8 to 11.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stein Mart has announced its plants to launch its e-commerce business, one of the company's several key initiatives for 2013 following reported financial results. 

The company has restated its 2011 periods and first quarter 2012 results, released its full-year 2012 financial numbers and said it will unveil several key initiatives in 2013.

BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec — Canadian hardware retailer and one-time Lowe’s buyout prospect Rona has appointed Alain Brisebois the company’s new EVP and chief commercial officer.

Brisebois will seek to improve operational efficiency and synergy among the company's purchasing, merchandising, procurement and marketing activities.

SEATTLE — Jones Soda Co., a beverage company known for its colorful sodas and customer-designed packaging, announced the launch of Natural Jones Soda.

The Natural Jones Soda product line is sweetened with a proprietary blend of natural sweeteners including pure cane sugar, organic agave syrup and stevia. Each 12-ounce glass bottle contains 30 calories, five grams of fiber and five grams of sugar and comes in four fruit flavors: Green Apple, Orange Mango, Cherry and Lemon Lime.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- To support its strong growth and fill current vacancies, Dollar General is planning to hire 10,000 employees in May for its store and distribution center locations. Career fairs to recruit candidates will be held throughout the month in the 40 states the company serves.