News

Boot Barn grows store footprint, online reach with acquisition of Shelplers
Irvine, Calif. -- Boot Barn Holdings announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sheplers, a 116-year old western lifestyle company with 25 stores across the United States. The purchase price was put at $147 million in cash.

By rebranding the Sheplers stores to the Boot Barn banner, consistent with the strategies of its prior two acquisitions, Boot Barn will enhance its store footprint by adding eight new retail markets and build its position in Texas and Colorado.
Macy's takes pride in supporting LBGT community
As more retailers increase their sponsorship of gay pride events, Macy's is investing in LGBTQ Pride Month with an exclusive offering of in-store events, parades, commemorative advertising and promotions.

Walgreens will keep headquarters in U.S.

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreens Boots Alliance plans to keep its headquarters in the U.S. and never went beyond the consideration stage of moving operations outside the U.S. in an “inversion” to reduce corporate taxes. At the Walgreens annual shareholder meeting May 28, Walgreens chairman James Skinner said Walgreens headquarters will remain in Deerfield, Illinois.
Kohl's sponsors free museum days

Kohl’s is backing up its commitment to families by sponsoring a museum promotion called Thank You Thursday in Milwaukee.

The retailer will be offering free general admission to the Museum Public Museum on the first Thursday of every month. Kohl’s Thank You Thursday marks the first time ever free general admission has been regularly provided to the public and will kick off on June 4.
Destination XL shrinks Q1 loss; will open 40 stores

Canton, Mass. – Destination XL Group Inc. shrunk its net loss to $574,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $3.5 million the same quarter a year earlier. A shift to operating income from operating loss helped reduce total net loss.

During the current fiscal year, Destination XL intends to open approximately 32 DXL retail and eight DXL outlet stores. It also plans to close approximately 42 Casual Male XL and three Rochester Clothing stores.
GameStop scores again with shoppers

GameStop continued to reap rewards from its omnichannel strategy in the first quarter, as the retailer reported an impressive increase in same store sales.
Dollar Tree to sell 330 Family Dollar Stores to Sycamore Partners

CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Dollar Tree on Friday announced it had reached an agreement to sell private equity firm Sycamore Partners a divestiture package of 330 Family Dollar Stores locations, with the deal contingent on the completion of Dollar Tree’s pending acquisition of Family Dollar. Sycamore Partners intends to operate the 330 stores, which represent approximately $45.5 million of operating income for Family Dollar, under the Dollar Express banner.
PacSun fumbles with earnings, flag

Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. reported a loss of $3.5 million in the first quarter in the same week the retailer found itself in the middle of a national controversy over one of its best-selling T-shirts.
Sportsman's Warehouse hunting for more customers

The CEO of Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings Inc. blamed traffic problems and lower prices of firearms for the company’s drop in same store sales in the first quarter.

Net sales increased by 9.1% to $144.5 million from $132.4 million in the first quarter ended May 2. Same store sales decreased by 0.7%.
Margins aid Belk Q1 income

Charlotte, N.C. – Investments in higher margins and topline growth helped boost net income at Belk Inc. 13% to $21.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 from $19.3 million in the same period a year earlier. Net sales were $985 million, up 3% from $955.1 million.

Same-store sales rose 3.3%. The strongest merchandise categories were men’s and women’s apparel, especially activewear, across all areas. The company’s online sales increased 37%, positively affecting same-store sales by 2.1%.