News

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has transitioned to using reusable product containers (RPCs), rather than corrugated boxes, to ship many types of produce from the farm fields, through the distribution channel and to final store destination. This transition eliminated the use of over 17 million pounds of corrugated boxes.

WASHINGTON — After a surprisingly strong first quarter, consumers have slowed their spending in May, according to the latest report from the National Retail Federation. The NRF reported that May retail sales (excluding automobile, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.3%seasonally adjusted from April but increased 4.8% unadjusted year-over-year, marking 23 consecutive months of retail sales growth.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group Inc. announced it has successfully completed its tender offer for Charming Shoppes Inc.'s outstanding shares.

Ascena announced in May it that was buying Charming Shoppes, whose banners include Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug,  and Catherines Plus Sizes, for about $890 million.

Charming Shoppes will become an Ascena subsidiary and will stop trading on the Nasdaq and Chicago Stock Exchange once the transaction is complete. Ascena’s retail subsidiaries include Dressbarn, Maurices and Justice.

Footwear and accessories company Aldo puts its best foot forward at its new concept store in IFC Mall, Hong Kong. The format complements the luxurious aesthetic of the center while maintaining the chain’s roots with its fashion-forward and youthful ambience. 

NEW YORK — Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has appointed Michael Robinson to the newly created position of VP e-commerce. Robinson brings retail, direct-to-consumer and digital experience working with popular brands such as Anthropologie, Smith & Hawken Ltd., and Banana Republic Inc., and will be responsible for building out the company's e-commerce presence, including the site the company is jointly developing with JCPenney, which is slated to launch in 2013.  He is reporting to Lisa Gersh, president and COO of MSLO.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Wednesday its board approved the increase of its quarterly dividend by six cents, or 20%, to 36 cents. The chain will pay the dividend on Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 15.

Target Corp. has paid a dividend every quarter since going public in 1967.


 

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has launched ‘Kitchen To Go,’ several ranges of more than 150 chef-created, prepared meal bowls, appetizers, side dishes, and entrees. ‘Kitchen To Go’ is designed to give busy customers new, delicious and wholesome take-out options that can serve one person to a whole family.

Canadians love a deal even more than American’s judging from the strong same-store sales and surging profits produced by the nation’s leading dollar store operator.

The 721 unit Montreal-based Dollarama chain said its first quarter same-store sales increased by a weather-aided 8.1%, and total first quarter sales increase 14.9% to $398 million for the period ended April 29. Earnings per share increased 40% to 56 cents from 40 cents. The gross margin rate increased to 36.3% of sales from 35.7% and expenses declined to 18.5% of sales compared to 19.7%.