News

Gap, Pa. -- Urban Outfitters has awarded Vanderlande Industries a design and build contract for the automated material handling system at their new fulfillment center located in Gap, Pa. The new one million-sq-ft. facility will service their direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels. Urban Outfitters has also contracted Vanderlande’s Customer Services to provide monthly preventative operations and maintenance services.

Fort Worth, Texas – RadioShack has named Mark A. Boerio to the newly created position of senior VP, inventory planning and allocation, effective Dec. 3. He is the latest addition to the new leadership team being assembled by CEO Joseph C. Magnacca as the company executes its strategic plan to reposition the brand, revamp the product assortment, reinvigorate the stores, increase its operational efficiency and enhance financial flexibility.

Nearly nine-in-10 (86%) working consumers plan to spend at least some time shopping or browsing online for gifts during work hours this Cyber Monday. A new RetailMeNot retail trends report also shows that 25% of working Americans plan to actually spend four hours or more shopping online for gifts during work hours that day.

Philadelphia – Holiday spending looks strong this year, with 85% of U.S. consumers planning to maintain or increase their holiday spending levels from last year. According to a new survey of 2,000 respondents from Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) and Harris Interactive, of those who plan to spend more, 15% plan to increase spending on electronics, 14% plan to purchase more gift cards, 13% will spend more on apparel and 10% will spend more on home goods.

Staples has launched an online ink and toner recycling program. The online program is an expansion of the existing, in-store Staples Rewards ink and toner recycling program.

The online program enables Staples Rewards members to recycle empty ink and toner cartridges by printing a pre-paid shipping label to send their cartridges in for recycling and receive $2 back in Staples Rewards for each one

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - Sears Holdings chairman Eddie Lampert is reportedly considering selling the company’s Sears Canada stores. According to the New York Post, Lampert has been quietly consulting banks including Goldman Sachs and reaching out to prospective buyers.

Big Lots has appointed former Kitchen Collection executive Richard Chene as EVP, chief merchandising officer. Chene will oversee all merchandising and global sourcing strategies and execution, including the development and attraction of talent for the organization.

By Shelley E. Kohan, [email protected]

Thanksgiving is drawing near, and with the official start of the holiday now beginning on Thursday (as some retailers will open on Thanksgiving Day), it’s time to talk about the “Giant Turkey” in the room for physical retail stores.