News

Report: Amazon site goes bilingual
Amazon’s newest endeavor hopes to attract more Spanish-speaking shoppers. The online retailer offering its website in Spanish, its first new language introduction since the site launched 20 years ago, according to CNet.
Report: Walmart testing kiosks to create ‘an endless aisle’
The retail giant just made another move in its battle against online rival, Amazon. Walmart is testing a touch-screen monitor in its toy aisle at dedicated stores in Texas. The solution connects shoppers to available inventory at store-level, and if it’s not on-hand, the device enables them to order it online, according to The Street.

Tough Q4 for teen apparel retailer

The Buckle reported earnings for its fourth quarter that missed expectations amid a rough market for teen retailers. Net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 was $36.0 million, or $0.75 per share ($0.74 per share on a diluted basis), compared to $98.0 million, or $2.04 per share ($2.03 per share on a diluted basis). Buckle’s net sales fell 15.7% to $280.0 million, from $332.0 million for the prior year. Same-store sales for the quarter decreased 16.1%.
Longtime CEO of PacSun out

There’s been a change at the top of teen apparel retailer Pacific Sunwear of California (PacSun). Chief executive Gary Schoenfeld has departed the chain, which is owned by Golden Gate Capital. The news was first reported by shop-eat-surf.com Schoenfeld had served as CEO of PacSun since 2009. No reason was given for his departure.
Athletic specialty retailer posts mixed Q4 results

Hibbett Sports posted fourth-quarter sales that missed predictions, even as earnings were in line with forecasts. Net sales for the 13-week period ended Jan. 28, increased 0.5% to $246.9 million compared with $245.7 million in the year-ago period. Same-store decreased 2.2%. Apparel and equipment both experienced declines in comparable store sales, while footwear continued to show stronger sales with a mid-single digit increase.
Study: Gap between 3PL and shipper innovation expectations

Digitization continues to take a foothold in supply chain, especially through the expansion of big data and the Internet of Things (IoT). While innovation ranked highly, not all shippers have the same needs, according to “3PLs are Buzzing with Innovation: Bridging the Gap Between 3PLs and Shippers,” a report from JDA and SCDigest. The report tapped more than 100 shippers and 3PLs and reveals innovation from the perspectives of both shippers and logistics companies.
Gander Mountain exec joins arts and crafts chain

A former executive at Gander Mountain has joined Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. The retailer has appointed Jeff Csuy as senior VP, general merchandise manager, fabric and sewing. He will report to Sharyn Hejcl, Jo-Anne’s executive VP, chief merchandising officer, as he “leads the fabric and sewing team to drive innovation while putting the customer first in all decisions,” Hejcl said.
HSN steps up its game to engage remote employees

It’s hard to drive camaraderie among a highly dispersed workforce — but HSN has found a way. The entertainment and lifestyle retailer reaches 94 million households through 1,700 sales and service agents —most of which remotely work from home. Such a widely dispersed workforce makes it difficult to use conventional tactics to build healthy competitive spirit and camaraderie in group settings. This challenge forced the company to step up its employee engagement game.
J.C. Penney expanding home services pilot

Starting soon, select J.C. Penney will be offering bathroom remodeling services.
Sears’ loss narrows but other problems widen

Sears Holding Corp. narrowed its adjusted loss in its fourth quarter, but its revenue continued to erode and its debt obligations continued to mount. Sales plunged 17% to $6.05 billion in the quarter ended Jan. 28, down from $7.3 billion a year earlier. Although the chain’s reduced store portfolio contributed to the decline, same-store sales fell 10.3%, driven by an 8% drop at Kmart and a 12.3% at Sears.