Logistics

New York -- Walmart plans to test the use of in-store lockers to hold goods ordered on its website until shoppers can pick them up, Reuters reported.

Neil Ashe, president and CEO of the discounter’s global e-commerce division, discussed the test, which will get underway this summer in about 12 locations, On Tuesday at the chain’s e-commerce media day. The event was held at its global e-commerce offices in San Bruno, Calif. Ashe also said that Wal-Mart is set to surpass $9 billion in annual online sales this year.

By Kris Bjorson, [email protected]

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to open a Nordstrom Rack in Louisville, Ky. The 33,000-sq.-ft. store, at Shelbyville Road Plaza, is scheduled to open in fall 2013 and will be the retailer's first location in the state.

Nordstrom is also expanding its presence in Florida. It will open a Nordstrom Rack at the Shoppes at University Town Center to serve customers in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area. The approximately 35,000-sq.-ft.store is scheduled to open in fall 2013.

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.  

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Monday that it will open 17 southwestern Ontario, Canada store on March 19 and another four on March 28, on the heels of three successful pilot-store launches in the area.

The added slate of openings, said Target, will allow the retailer more opportunity to volume-test in advance of April grand opening dates.

By Greg Kefer, [email protected]

The latest study on the risk posed by supply chain disruptions by Deloitte just hit the news. Executives were surveyed regarding feelings (or fears) about their exposure to unexpected events in their global supply chains. As you can imagine, most feel unprepared and report disruptions have become more costly. Negative outcomes in the global supply chain like costly margin erosion and demand change are all too common for most companies.

New York -- The Fresh Market announced the resignation of Randy Kelley as SVP real estate and development. Kelley, who is leaving the grocer, to pursue a new business opportunity, will remain with the company through early spring.

Salt Lake City -- Overstock.com said Wednesday it has opened a distribution and returns facility in Hebron, Ky., outside Cincinnati.

The facility, the company’s second, will receive product returns and handle outbound shipments.  Overstock.com officials say this additional distribution facility will reduce the time for resolution and refunds for customer returns.  

The company’s primary warehouse will remain in Salt Lake City.