Logistics

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is expanding its footprint.   The chain has reached an agreement to purchase Speedco, a national network of trucking-focused service locations from Bridgestone Americas.    Speedco has 52 locations. The acquisition will bring the number of Love’s operated tire service and lube facilities to 323. Terms of the deal, subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed.   

Amazon continues to bolster its distribution fleet.   The online giant will be adding a new 1 million-sq.-ft. fulfillment center in Monroe, Ohio — its fourth warehouse in The Buckeye State. Amazon will hire 1,000 associates to manage the picking, packing and shipping larger customer items, such as sports equipment, gardening tools, and pet food.    Amazon already operates fulfillment centers in the cities of Etna and Obetz, and is preparing for the opening of a new facility in North Randall.

Marketplaces are taking an increasing share of business-to-consumer (B2C) online retail sales.    Last year, shoppers did half of their online spending through marketplaces — a level that could rise to 66% by 2022, according to “Half of B2C Online Retail Spend Came from Marketplaces in 2016,” a report from Forrester.  

Amazon is further bolstering its presence in The Wolverine State.   The online giant will open a new, 1 million sq. ft. fulfillment center in Shelby, Michigan. The building is set to open in 2018.   The warehouse will focus on picking, packing and shipping large items, like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. These operations will be managed by approximately 1,000 associates, according to Amazon.  

Amazon is looking to take advantage of Mexico’s growing e-commerce industry.   The online giant is planning to open a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse near Mexico City, according to Reuters. Scheduled to open next year, it would be the company’s third distribution center in the country.  

Lowe’s Cos. has appointed a 20-year retail veteran to lead supply chain field processes   Michael West will join Lowe's as senior VP of supply chain field operations, effective Sept. 25. He will report to chief supply chain officer Brent G. Kirby.   West joins Lowe's from Neiman Marcus, where he served on the company's leadership team as senior VP, supply chain. He led distribution, transportation and fulfillment for all brands in the Neiman Marcus Group.   

Walmart is stepping up its hurricane relief efforts.   The discount giant announced that it will donate up to $10 million in additional support for 2017 hurricane relief efforts in the United States, a move that will bring Walmart’s total commitment to hurricane relief efforts this year to $30 million. This additional support comes on the heels of donations already provided in response to Hurricane Harvey that hit the Gulf region less than three weeks ago.  

99 Cents Only Stores reduced its loss in the second quarter amid increased operational efficiencies and surging sales.   The retailer reported a net loss of $33.6 million for the quarter ended July 28, compared to net loss of $35.1 million in the year-ago period. Net sales increased 8.9% to $540.5 million.