Order Fulfillment

Target beats Wal-Mart in Widest Gap in 2 Years
August 24, 2012

Target  is living up to the second half of its "Expect more. Pay less." slogan by winning the latest round in its pricing battle with Wal-Mart Stores. Target this month had lower prices than Wal-Mart for the first time since October, according to research...

Retailer Surcharges Would Dampen Credit Card Use
August 21, 2012

A proposed swipe fee settlement would give retailers the green light to charge consumers a surcharge for using a credit card, but a new poll suggests that consumers will not graciously accept the extra charge. According to a new poll by CreditCards.com, nearly two in three Americans -- 65 percent -- said they would stop using their credit cards if retailers start adding extra fees to credit card purchases -- regardless of how small that fee may be.

eBay Mum on Glitch That Blocked Product Photos
August 16, 2012

Two days after a major glitch impacted eBay listings, the company had nothing more to say beyond its initial acknowledgement of the problem. On Monday evening, eBay Spokesperson Ryan Moore issued a statement in response to EcommerceBytes' inquiries: "We experienced a technical issue with images today that prompted the pop-ups. The issue was resolved around 4:30 this afternoon. We apologize for any inconvenience."

Daffy’s to Close 19-Store Northeast Chain in Next Few Months
July 17, 2012

Daffy's, a 19-store chain that sells discount designer brands in the U.S. Northeast, said it will shutter its business in the next few months, citing an uncertain economy and weak consumer spending. "The process will entail the gradual closing of Daffy's stores and the liquidation of its merchandise," Michael McMullan, a Daffy's spokesman, wrote in an emailed statement today. Daffy's, which doesn't have a final date for the closure of the business, will continue to employ its associates and give them pay and benefits for at least 60 days, McMullan said. Daffy's has about 1,300 employees.

Dov Charney Offered American Apparel’s Factory to Ralph Lauren to Help Produce ‘Made in the USA’ Uniforms for the Olympics
July 16, 2012

Looks like American Apparel may be designing the uniforms for some proud red, white and blue-wearing Olympians … who aren’t American. In a conversation about clothing manufacturing and national pride that has come to a head because of the Ralph Lauren “Made in China” U.S. Olympic uniform controversy, American Apparel's Dov Charney has now thrown his voice into the melee. The New York Post is reporting that American Apparel is in talks to design Russia’s Olympic uniforms. 

Belk Invests $4.5M in New E-Commerce Fulfillment Center
July 9, 2012

Belk has opened a new 515,000 square-foot distribution/fulfillment center in Jonesville, S.C. to support its growing e-commerce operations. The department store retailer is making a $4.5 million capital investment in the new facility, which is scheduled to be fully operational beginning July 9. The fulfillment center, located in a facility formerly occupied by Disney, is expected to generate 124 new jobs over the next five years. 

Best Buy Slashes Workforce by 1.4%
July 9, 2012

Best Buy intends to cut 2,400 jobs, including 600 Geek Squad technicians, which would amount to 1.4 percent of its workforce, Reuters reported Friday. According to the report, these cuts are in addition to the job reductions related to the 50 store closings the company announced in March.

Men's Wearhouse Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer
July 5, 2012

The Men's Wearhouse announced that Neill P. Davis , Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has notified the Company that he intends to leave on August 2, 2012 to accept the position of President with Francesca's Holdings Corporation, a women's specialty retailer where he has served as a director for the past five years. Doug Ewert , Men's Wearhouse President and CEO, stated, "Neill has been an integral part of our senior management team for the past 15 years and he will be missed. We wish him well in his new endeavor."

7 Operations and Fulfillment Tips to Boost Efficiency
July 1, 2012

The ability to quickly and accurately fulfill customers' online orders is a task that many retailers struggle with. The consequences of not doing so are severe, most notably frustrated customers who won't return to shop with your brand. Follow these seven tips to provide customers a better shopping experience, all the way through delivery:

Abercrombie & Fitch to Close 180 US Stores
June 22, 2012

Teen clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch plans to close 180 U.S. stores over the next few years as it tries to improve its financial performance. Abercrombie used to generate most of its sales in the U.S. but has shifted its focus to overseas markets such as Europe and Asia, where it's still growing. The chain has already closed 135 underperforming U.S. stores over the past two years.