News

Toys ‘R’ Us swings to Q4 profit; targets $100 to $175 million in spending cuts
Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us Inc. swung to a profit in the fourth quarter, amid a major restructuring initiative that looks to cut up to another $175 million in expenses.
Build-A-Bear wants shoppers to build a bunny this Easter
Build-A-Bear Workshop is hoping that its new Easter Collection will persuade shoppers to hop right in for a chance to buy one of the retailer’s new customizable holiday toys.

Build-A-Bear’s new Easter line features an assortment of customizable furry friends with unique personalization options, from sounds to accessories.

Amazon is a giant step closer to drone delivery

A few months ago it seemed as though drone delivery was not going to happen for Amazon.com. Now the retailer's dreams of Amazon packages flying through the sky are a lot closer to reality, thanks to the FAA.

Amazon.com has received preliminary approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to research, develop and test drone delivery -- but that doesn't mean customers can expect their orders to arrive by drone anytime soon.
Surf retailer Tilly's rides sales wave in Q4

Marketing and a strong assortment helped teen retailer Tilly’s report an increase in profits and same store sales in the fourth quarter.

Revenues increased 9.2% from last year to $152.82 million. Analysts expected revenues of $151.43 million. The company said same store sales, which include e-commerce sales, increased 2.9% from the corresponding period in 2013.
Walmart calls on suppliers to make domestic difference

Walmart vice president of U.S. manufacturing Cindi Marsiglio shared new details about a first-of-its-kind event planned for early July in Northwest Arkansas to advance the retailer’s $250 billion domestic sourcing agenda.

During a fast-paced presentation Thursday morning organized by a group called Doing Business in Bentonville, Marsiglio shared wide-ranging insights regarding the company’s 10 year, $250 billion domestic sourcing commitment unveiled in January 2013.
Michaels profit up 18%, but issues soft outlook for 2015

Irving, Texas -- The Michaels Cos. reported Thursday its net income rose 18% to $157 million in the fourth quarter, up from $133 million in the year-earlier period. But the retailer gave a soft outlook for the year, citing, among other things, unfavorable Canadian exchange rates and the impact of the West Coast port slowdown.

Sales for the fourth quarter increased 3.4% to $1.61 billion. Same-store sales increased by 1.4%
Babies 'R' Us has a new head merchant

Toys “R” Us Inc. has named a new head merchant to drive product innovation and differentiation at the company’s Babies “R” Us stores.

Reg McLay has been named senior vice president, Babies “R” Us Business, effective March 30. In this role, McLay will lead the Babies “R” Us merchandising team in the U.S. He will report to Hank Mullany, president of Toys “R” Us, U.S.
French office supply retailer unifies supply chain with Symphony ETC

Paris – French office supply retailer Bruneau has selected the Symphony EYC G.O.L.D. unified retail platform to optimize its supplier and inventory performance. Bruneau plans to deploy G.O.L.D. master data management, merchandise management, supply chain management and warehouse replenishment.
Dollar General elevates counsel to EVP

Just two years after starting the job, the general counsel at Dollar General has been promoted to executive vice president.
Smart & Final swings to Q4 profit; to accelerate store expansion

Commerce Calif. -- Value-oriented food retailer Smart & Final Stores Inc. plans to accelerate its expansion after posting double-digit sales growth in the fourth quarter.