News

Industry Commentary: Walmart's employee delivery initiative
Walmart recently announced a pilot program where its associates would be given the option to deliver online orders on their way home from work. Two industry experts offer their comments on the program below:
Discounter opens new warehouse in Wisconsin
Coinciding with its recently announced growth plan, Dollar General opened a new distribution center. The new $100 million facility resides in Janesville, Wisconsin. It is the company’s 14th warehouse. The approximately 1 million-sq.-ft. depot, which began shipping merchandise in January, serves approximately 800 stores in nine states in the upper Midwest, and employs more than 500 employees. Along with more than 130 store locations in the state, Dollar General now has more than 1,300 employees in the state of Wisconsin.

Consortium makes ‘stalking horse’ bid for upscale fashion retailer

BCBG Max Azria Group LLC is getting a shot at keeping its brand alive.
Walmart shareholders approve directors, compensation

Walmart shared the results of its 47th annual shareholders meeting held June 2.
Study: Amazon sees double-digit growth in consumables

Despite a decline in the overall health & personal care (HPC), baby and grocery categories industry-wide, Amazon is grabbing double-digit wallet share.
Joss & Main and cable series team up, just in time for summer

A home furnishings retailer is making it easier for their shoppers to make their homes “summer-ready.” Through its partnership with the HGTV series, “Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation,” Joss & Main is enabling viewers to purchase the budget-friendly, stylish looks presented on the show directly through their e-commerce site. The retailer will feature merchandise throughout the show’s six-week season, starting on June 10.
Mickey Drexler out as CEO of J.Crew Group

It is the end of an era in retail. One of the most prominent — and legendary — chief executives in retail is stepping down. Millard “Mickey” Drexler will step down after almost 15 years as J. Crew’s CEO as of July. He will continue in his role as chairman. Drexler is the former CEO of Gap Inc., which he built into a retail powerhouse. He was abruptly fired in 2002 by Gap founder Donald Fisher amid slumping sales and the chain's falling stock. (Prior to Gap, Drexler oversaw a turnaround of Ann Taylor.)
Walmart leverages ‘employees’ for last-mile delivery initiative
Casual clothing and workwear retailer on the hunt for a new CFO

Duluth Holdings is losing its finance chief. Mark DeOrio, the company’s CFO, will retire at the end of 2017. DeOrio will remain in his role until the next finance chief is appointed, and he will then assist with his successor’s transition until his retirement. DeOrio has held the role since August 2010. He also served as senior VP of operations from 2010 to January 2015.
Amazon expands distribution fleet in California

Amazon is bolstering fulfillment efforts in the Golden State. The online giant will open an 855,000-sq.-ft. fulfillment center in Fresno, California. The new facility will specialize in handling smaller-sized items such as books, electronic devices and children’s toys. The Fresno facility will be the fifth warehouse in the state’s Central Valley. Amazon currently operates three fulfillment centers in Tracy and Patterson, and a fourth facility under construction in Sacramento.
Online retailer prepares for Mall of America debut

An online clothing brand best known for its signature shirts that are designed to be worn untucked is going to open at Mall of America, in Bloomington, Minnesota. Untuckit will open a 1,300-sq.-ft. outpost at the giant mall this fall. It will be the company's first store in Minnesota, and carry shirts for both men and women.
Office supplies giant sells operations in China

Office Depot is selling off another international unit. The office supplies giant announced it will sell its stores in China to Shanghai M&G Colipu Office Supplies Co., Ltd. The public, China-based public company manufactures and sells writing instruments, as well as stationery products for offices and students.