Logistics

Sandy Kennedy, president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), has offered her two cents on the standoff surrounding the union negotiations at the West Coast ports.

Kennedy addressed a letter to the heads of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), speaking on behalf of retailers who are experiencing uncertainty and instability over the ongoing conflict.

New York - Imports to the U.S. were up in July from June, and there was a measurable year-over-year increase. According to a new report from supply chain research firm Panjiva, July 2014 showed levels of imports 2% higher than imports in July 2013.

Arlington, Va. -- The president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, Sandy Kennedy, has sent a letter to the heads of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) urging them to remain focused on securing a new, long-term contract in the immediate future to ensure stability at the west coast ports. The letter reflects the growing angst among the retail community over the lack of a new agreement.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- Sears Canada Inc. announced the opening of a new 240,000-sq.-ft. fulfillment center located in Calgary, Alberta.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports profit in the second quarter declined 21% amid higher store operating, selling and administrative expenses. Net income for the 13-week period ended August 2, 2014, was $8.4 million compared with $10.5 million for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013
  
Net sales for the quarter increased 4.1% to $193.9 million compared with $186.2 million for the 13-week period ended August 3, 2013. Same-store sales edged up 0.1%.
  

Tampa, Florida — RMC Property Group has been awarded the exclusive leasing and management assignment for The Promenade, located at 10330 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

The Promenade is a 29,984-sq.-ft. mixed-use property with 19,549 sq. ft. of ground floor retail and 10,435 sq. ft. of professional and office space on the second floor. Anchor tenants include International Diamond Center and Phoenix Home Care.

New York -- As analysts begin to speculate about the acquisition scenarios for Family Dollar – whether by Dollar Tree or Dollar General – one thing is clear: some store closures will occur.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal Online, a Dollar General takeover would close more stores than if Dollar Tree wins the bid. Dollar General said it is prepared to divest up to 700 of the combined company’s approximate 19,600 stores to satisfy antitrust regulators.
 

Just a month and a half after Kroger announced plans to acquire e-commerce retailer Vitacost.com, the company completed the merger. According to Kroger, Vitacost.com's position in the nutrition and wellness products space, including its proprietary brands, complements its natural foods business and Simple Truth Organic and Simple Truth corporate brand offering.

Kroger purchased all outstanding shares of common stock of Vitacost.com for $8 per share in cash. The tender offer expired at 5 p.m., EDT, on August 15.