Distribution

Los Angeles -- Guess said Wednesday that its fourth-quarter net income rose 19% on a boost in sales in Europe, Asia and North America.

Guess said it earned $103.3 million, compared with profit of $86.6 million, or 93 cents per share, during the same period a year prior.

Revenue rose 18% to $756.9 million from $642 million. The results beat the expectations of analysts.

Chicago -- Walmart has announced two additional store openings for Chicago, bringing the total number of stores it plans to open in the Windy City by 2013 to six.

The new stores will create close to 1,000 new jobs and nearly 200 construction jobs putting Walmart on the path to meeting the goals outlined in its "Chicago Community Investment Partnership."

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said the stores will bring fresh food and groceries to some of the city's most underserved neighborhoods.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that, in partnership with Shinsegae, it has opened Paju Premium Outlets, its second Premium Outlet Center in South Korea.

The 328,000-sq.-ft. center houses 160 stores, including international and domestic brands. Strategically located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, the center is approximately 50 minutes northwest of downtown Seoul.

Dallas -- Transplace, a provider of transportation management services and logistics technology, today announced the continuation of its relationship with Anna’s Linens through a full contract expansion. The value-priced home-furnishings retailer will continue to leverage Transplace’s managed services solution and logistics technology for all domestic transportation management activities.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

CHiCAGO --  Walmart has succeeded in bringing its smaller format store concept to Chicago, helping to make the case that the retailer can find success in more urban markets, including New York, which has thus far eluded the retailer. The company announced that it has secured locations in West Englewood for a Walmart Market and Walmart Express store.  According to the company, West Englewood is in the heart of a food desert and one of Chicago’s most underserved communities. 

Tamasakai, Japan -- Costco Wholesale said Tuesday that two people died when a parking garage collapsed at its warehouse in Tamasakai during the earthquake, according to a report by the Seattle Times.
 
The store sustained significant damage and will remain closed for several months for inspections and repairs, said Costco.

Completion of a previously announced acquisition combined with organic growth will result in the addition of 168 stores to Asda’s existing 386 units and push Walmart’s U.K. division past the 500-unit mark.