News

WASHINGTON — A report released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates said that import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports has started to decline for the fall, and November is forecast at 1.9% below the same month last year.

The decrease is attributed to the fact that most retailers already have their holiday season merchandise either on their shelves or en route to their stores. 

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters Monday announced leadership changes at Anthropologie, Terrain and Urban Outfitters.

David McCreight has been appointed CEO Anthropologie Group, effective Nov. 15. In this new role, McCreight will be responsible for Anthropologie North America, Anthropologie Europe and BHLDN.

New York City -- Target Corp. is building a distribution center in Denton, Texas, the Dallas Business Journal reported.

The 360,000-sq.-ft. center is expected to open in March 2013.
 

QUINCY, Mass. — The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company announced that it is debuting a new store format in Chelmsford, Mass.

According to the company, the 72,000 sq. ft. store will replace the former 38,500 sq. ft. location in Chelmsford. 

Deborah White was named EVP and general counsel at the Retail Industry Leaders Association to help the trade association's members cope with an increasingly challenging regulatory climate.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. announced the signing of a new credit facility with a consortium of financial institutions led by U.S. Bank.

The new $415 million, five-year credit facility replaces Cabela’s existing $350 million, five-year agreement signed in 2007. Additionally, the new facility may be increased to $500 million subject to certain terms and conditions.

NEW YORK — The ways in which the largest U.S. retail brands address the needs of their customers on Facebook and Twitter were unveiled last week in a white paper — Safeway and Sears topped charts; Costco, Kmart, Kroger and Walmart were found wanting, according to Conversocial, a software company that develops social media tools.

New York City -- Best Buy Co. said Monday it is buying out its joint venture partner, Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, in its fast-growing North American mobile business for $1.34 billion. As part of the reorganization of its relationship with the U.S. consumer electronics giant, Carphone Warehouse will shutter the 11 pilot big-box Best Buy stores it opened last year in the United Kingdom.