News

How to Increase Compliance with Shipment Consolidation
It’s a sobering statistic: North American retailers lose $158.5 billion annually to supplier issues. Out of stocks cause 4.1 percent in lost revenue, according to retailwire.com; just as troubling, overstocks result in 3.2 percent in lost revenue for the average retailer. Retailers continue to refine their compliance programs to strike the right balance of inventory and meeting higher consumer service standards.
Wal-Mart sues Visa over chip-enabled debit cards signature verification
Wal-Mart Stores filed a lawsuit against Visa Inc., saying the payments network wants it to verify transactions made with debit cards with signatures rather than the chip-and-PIN protocol, Bloomberg reported.

Dollar General keeps expanding its distribution network

Dollar General Corp. has announced plans to build what will be its 15th fqcility in the discounter’s growing distribution network. The discounter has purchased land in Jackson, Georgia to serve as the location for the new distribution center it plans to construct in the central part of the state.
Forget garage sales—just go to FedEx

Consumers looking to sell their unwanted treasures now have a new option thanks to a partnership between eBay Inc. and FedEx Office. The two companies are teaming up to offer eBay Valet drop-off locations at more than 1,600 FedEx Office stores nationwide over the coming months.
Target maximizes energy savings with new HVAC equipment

The initiative is a three-year project that entails installing 3,600 York packaged rooftop units (Predator series) to maximize energy savings through more efficient HVAC equipment at stores eight years or older. The York rooftop units feature energy-saving technologies including variable-speed drives, California Title 24-compliant economizers and new energy recovery ventilators (ERV) specifically designed for retailers.
Discounter enters Florida; on track for 28 -32 stores in 2016

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings has entered the Sunshine State, opening a store in Orlando, Florida. The new location represents the extreme discounter’s 208th store and 18th state of operation. In keeping with the company’s strategy of expanding into contiguous states and new markets, Ollie’s plans to open a total of six to nine stores in the state of Florida this year and 28-32 new stores overall across the eastern half of the United States in 2016.
Schimenti managing open store remodel/fit out for Dick’s Sporting Goods

Schimenti Construction has begun work on Dick's Sporting Goods' store in Melville, New York, managing an open store remodel/tenant fit-out of the approximately 95,000-sq.-ft. space.
Supermarket giant is going on big hiring spree

The Kroger Co. is looking to hire 14,000 associates. The supermarket operator is holding a nationwide hiring event on Saturday, May 14, to fill open jobs across all its store brands. Interested candidates can also apply online at jobs.kroger.com. The openings are for part-time and full-time associates.
Gap Q1 sales plummet; talks streamlining

The nation’s largest U.S. apparel retailer is looking to streamline its model. Amid first quarter same-store sales declines across all its brands, Gap Inc. said it is identifying opportunities to streamline its business to be more efficient and flexible. The retailer also is evaluating its Banana Republic and Old Navy store fleets, mostly outside of North America, with an eye to sharpening its focus on geographies with the greatest potential.
Bon-Ton exec joins Gordmans’ management team

Gordmans Stores has appointed Michael F. Ricart senior VP stores, effective May 9, 2016. Ricart joins Gordmans from Bon-Ton Stores Inc. where he was senior VP stores since 2012. He the company in 1999 as a regional VP stores and has held several roles of increasing responsibility during his 16 years tenure. Prior to Bon-Ton Stores, he held multiple positions in buying and store operations at Macy's.