Distribution

Off price retailer Ross Stores achieved record fourth quarter sales and earnings and expects to deliver more of the same in 2013 thanks to an unwavering commitment to offering great bargains.

Sales for the 14 week fourth quarter ended February 2, increased 15% to $2.76 billion when compared to the prior year’s 13 week fourth quarter. Same store sales advanced 5% on top of a prior year gain of 7%. Earnings per share for the period increased to $1.07 from 85 cents last year and net income grew to $236.6 million from $192 million.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu has completed the sale of its Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market stores and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of a Cerberus Capital Management-led investor consortium, in a stock deal valued at $3.3 billion, including $100 million in cash and $3.2 billion in debt assumption. 

CINCINNATI — Macy’s announced that it will expand its online order fulfillment center in Goodyear, Ariz., to accommodate continued sales growth as part of the company’s omnichannel strategy. The company is expected to invest more than $35 million in capital in the project.

New York -- Macy’s announced that it will expand its online order fulfillment center in Goodyear, Ariz., to accommodate continued sales growth as part of the company’s omni-channel strategy. The company is expected to invest more than $35 million in capital in the project.

Miami -- Perry Ellis International announced that is has expanded its e-commerce reach and worldwide accessibility with the launch of international shipping on all its e-commerce sites, provided by FiftyOne Global Ecommerce.

Among the over 100 countries Perry Ellis now serves are Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan and many others across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  

New York -- Supervalu on Thursday announced the completion of the sale of its Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market stores and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of a Cerberus Capital Management-led investor consortium. The stock deal is valued at $3.3 billion, including $100 million in cash and $3.2 billion in debt assumption.

Weber-Stephen Products, a manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, has named Thomas Koos as CEO, effective April 1. Current Weber-Stephen president and CEO Jim Stephen will become executive chairman of the company.

"Tom's global business experience, passion for building brands and deep knowledge of our distribution channels makes him a great fit for Weber," said Stephen. "I look forward to working with Tom and our team at Weber as we continue to expand and promote our strong brand around the world."

Walgreens reported a better-than-expected profit on flat sales for its second quarter Tuesday morning and unveiled an expanded partnership with AmerisourceBergen that could give the pharmacy operator an equity position and seat on the drug wholesaler’s board.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hostess Brands announced that it has selected United States Bakery's approximately $30.9 million offer as the winning bid for the company's Sweetheart, Eddy's, Standish Farms, and Grandma Emilie's bread brands, four bakeries, and 14 depots, plus certain equipment. 

The United States Bakery offer was selected as the highest and best bid at a March 15 auction. The company will ask the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to approve the transaction at a hearing on April 9.

Dublin, Ohio -- The Wendy's Co. announced Tuesday an agreement with The Eljuri Group to develop 20 Wendy's restaurants in Ecuador.

As the largest business group in Ecuador, Eljuri said it expects to open the first two Wendy's locations in 2013 in Guayaquil, a coastal city with a population of 2.3 million people.