USPS Maintains High Service Performance Scores During Busiest Mailing and Shipping Week of the Year

Grainger announced the sale of E&R Industrial Sales, Inc. to Paradigm Equity Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. E&R Industrial became a subsidiary of W.W. Grainger, Inc. in 2013. "We are excited about this next stage of growth with Paradigm Equity Partners," said Jason D'Souza, President, E&R Industrial Sales, Inc. "E&R Industrial is firmly committed to a smooth transition for our customers, suppliers and team members." Grainger will continue to serve customers with maintenance metalworking products, services and expertise while focusing on its core business of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services. Customers will continue to have access to E&R's assortment when purchasing through Grainger, while E&R customers will have access to Grainger's MRO-leading assortment when purchasing through E&R. Details of the agreement were not publicly disclosed.

GAP INC. reported a third quarter fiscal year 2021 diluted loss per share of $0.40. Excluding fees associated with restructuring the company’s long-term debt and net charges related to strategic changes in its European operating model, adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.27. Additional information regarding adjusted diluted earnings per share, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided at the end of this press release along with a reconciliation of this measure from the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The company’s third quarter fiscal year 2021 net sales of $3.9 billion were down 1% compared to 2019 with supply chain disruption driving an estimated 8 percentage point negative impact due to constrained inventory.1 The company remains focused on digital dominance through investing in its ecommerce platform, strategically closing unprofitable stores and partnering to amplify in international markets. Online sales grew 48% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and represented 38% of the total business, even as store traffic continues to rebound. Investments in technology are driving an enhanced online experience as the company accelerates its digital strategy. Third quarter comparable sales were up 5% versus 2019. The comparable sales calculation reflects online sales and comparable sales days in stores that were open.

The global debate over what constitutes a publication may have received some clarity in the UK, although it is not likely to make anyone happy. Britain’s top court ruled that Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. cannot claim its online publications are “newspapers,” which are not responsible for value-added tax (VAT), Reuters reports. A Murdoch spokesperson told Reuters that "Four courts have now considered the position and all found that the print and digital editions had fundamentally the same public purpose required to justify a zero rating and provided the same content.” This decision effectively negates that. News Corp. hoped to recoup more than 35 million pounds paid between 2010 and 2016,” Reuters continues.