Expecting shipping volume to jump 5% this holiday season, UPS is on track to shatter its holiday shipping records. The carrier plans to deliver more than 750 million packages globally in the 25 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This volume is approximately 5% above last year’s holiday peak shipping season volume. During 17 of these 25 days, UPS expects to deliver more than 30 million packages. To ensure it can get packages into recipients’ hands in a timely manner, the company is launching UPS Saturday Ground, a service that features five additional ground pickup and delivery days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This service will add approximately 6,000 permanent, year-round jobs when fully implemented. Click Read More below for additional information.

A team of disposition firms consisting of Gordon Brothers, Hilco Merchant Resources, Great American Group, and Tiger Group announced that they have commenced store closing sales at 137* J. C. Penney Company, Inc. stores across the United States. The closures are the Company’s first step in implementing a planned store optimization strategy. As the Company remains focused on its Plan for Renewal transformation strategy and driving sustainable, profitable growth, it intends to reduce its store footprint and focus resources on its strongest stores and powerful eCommerce flagship store, jcp.com. Throughout all closing stores, customers can take advantage of storewide discounts of 25-40% off original prices. All merchandise is on sale, including deeper discounts of 40% on all fine jewelry and window treatments. New seasonal essentials, such as swimwear and sunglasses, are also discounted at 25-30% off. All sales will be final starting June 25.

Gap Inc. announced the appointment of Neil Fiske as president and chief executive officer of Gap brand. Fiske will begin his new role on June 20, 2018, and will serve on the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Art Peck, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc. “Neil brings significant retail and apparel experience to Gap Inc. and a track record of transforming and repositioning brands,” said Peck. “He is an experienced leader who deeply understands the mechanics of this business, the value of an omnichannel strategy, and the need to build a progressive and relevant brand. I believe Neil is the right leader to strengthen Gap brand.” Click Read More below for additional information.