Distribution

By Gary C. Smith, NAEIR.org

When Children’s Wish Foundation International, an Atlanta-based charity, hosts scrapbooking or craft parties for children in the hospital, it turns to a gifts-in-kind organization and its catalog of donated merchandise for supplies. The two organizations then coordinate shipments of stuffed animals, Halloween costumes, craft materials, toys, videos and other items to hospitals to help fulfill the wishes of children in need.
 

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods has raised its full year and second quarter outlooks after reporting substantial growth in sales and earnings for the first quarter. The company reported that net income for the quarter was $57.2 million, or 45 cents per diluted share, exceeding the company's earnings expectations provided on March 6 of 36 cents to 38 cents per diluted share. For the first quarter ended April 30, 2011, the company reported consolidated net income of $37.5 million, or 30 cents per diluted share.

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. reported Tuesday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 surged 53% to $57.2 million, compared with $37.5 million for the year-ago period. The sporting goods retailer raised its earnings outlook for the year.

“For 2012, we are raising our full year guidance as we continue to invest in new stores and our e-commerce business, as well as our margin accelerators including inventory management, private brands, and product mix shift,” said Edward W. Stack, CEO.

New Haven, Conn. -- RHYS Commercial said that Harbor Freight Tools is opening three Connecticut locations – in New Haven (17,000 sq. ft.), Bridgeport (14,284 sq. ft.) and Waterbury (16,813 sq. ft.).

The tool and equipment retailer’s location in New Haven opened April 27; construction is underway on the other two outlets.
 

Houston -- Discount supermarket operator Aldi announced it is preparing to enter the Houston market with 30 new stores over the next three years. The expansion will begin in spring of 2013, with the opening of more than 10 new locations.

With this expanded Texas footprint, Aldi is expected to bring 400 jobs and an investment of over $100 million of capital expenditures to the local community. The first Aldi stores in Houston will open in the spring of 2013, with more than 10 new locations.

New York -- Dallas-based SRS Real Estate Partners said it has negotiated a 21,191-sq.-ft. lease for The Tile Shop in Scarsdale, N.Y., in affluent Westchester County.

The new store, slated to open this summer, is the retailer’s first in the area.
 

Hoboken, N.J. -- Metro Commercial Real Estate said that it has negotiated a 1,350-sq.-ft. lease in downtown Hoboken, N.J., for frozen yogurt purveyor Red Mango.

The urban storefront, located in a former pizza space, is slated to open this summer.

Austin, Texas -- NetSpend Holdings said Thursday it has entered into a distribution agreement with Family Dollar to sell the NetSpend Visa prepaid debit card at the discounter’s store locations nationwide.

Family Dollar and NetSpend plan to make the prepaid cards available in more than 7,200 locations beginning this month, NetSpend officials said.