Logistics

By Richard P. Edwards, [email protected]

Real estate portfolio optimization has become standard practice for retailers and, in the current environment, store closings often outnumber openings. In many cases, closing stores is a proactive move. For instance, healthy retailers strengthen their positions by closing under-performing stores and relocating stores within a market is an ongoing process when retailers review leases up for renewal or look to improve their position in the area.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer last week announced its donation of 35 reconditioned semi-tractors to local food banks, academic organizations and law enforcement throughout the Midwest.

The donation is part of the chain's ongoing commitment to support the communities it serves, the company said.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Building on its plans to open 625 new stores in fiscal 2011, Dollar General Corp. announced that it will create 6,000 new jobs. The new stores and jobs will be spread among Dollar General’s existing 35-state operating area, as well as three new states: Connecticut, Nevada and New Hampshire.

In addition to 625 new stores, the company plans to remodel or relocate 550 stores.

New York City -- Aeropostale announced three executive appointments that realign responsibilities and strengthen its leadership team. Among the changes, Marc D. Miller, senior VP of strategic planning and new business development, has been appointed CFO.

In other appointments, Michael J. Cunningham, president, will expand his role and assume additional responsibilities over planning and allocation, construction, logistics and real estate. He will also remain responsible for the finance organization, investor relations and information technology.

New York - Dollar General is considering a plan to build a $60 million distribution center in Bessemer that could create up to 650 jobs, the Birmingham Business Journal reported. 

The new facility would be the 10th distribution center for Dollar General (NYSE: DG), according to Tawn Earnest, senior director of corporate communications for the company. The company is seeking incentives from local governments for the project.

No matter what the politicians in Washington are saying, the United States is married to China. And, this relationship has been nearly 40 years in the making. Ever since Nixon visited China, the United States has become more and more reliant upon low-cost Chinese goods. Indeed, according to The United States Trade Representative, the United States imported nearly $300 billion worth of goods from China in 2009 alone. To the extent an economic recovery in the United States depends on consumers spending at retail, the ability of U.S.

While such retailers as Kohl’s, Walmart and Office Depot were receiving accolades for their sustainability efforts the past few years, Target was seldom mentioned in the same breath. Target wasn’t exactly destroying the planet, but it was far less vocal and precise than others about its efforts in the area of sustainability. Not any more. The company last week established some clear goals regarding resource usage, waste elimination and carbon footprint reduction and a time frame in which to achieve them.

Cincinnati - Macy’s announced it plans to build a major new fulfillment center near Martinsburg in Berkeley County, W.V., to support the continued growth of its online business. The site is located about 80 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. 

Construction on the 1.3 million-square-foot facility is expected to begin in spring 2011, with operations beginning in April 2012 and order shipments beginning in summer 2012.