Corporate Responsibility

Less than a week into his role as J.C. Penney’s chief merchant, John Tighe revealed losing his mother to breast cancer and the retailer’s ambitious fundraising plans that kick in during October.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and J.C. Penney has launched a range of initiatives to raise awareness and funds. For starters, the company is asking customers throughout the month of October to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar.

Teen apparel retailer Hollister will remove the steps from its store entrances following a six-year court battle.

The company, owned by Abercrombie & Fitch Co., has agreed to eliminate the steps that part of the exterior design of many of its stores in order to make the doorways wheelchair accessible, the Associated Press reported. The change is part of a settlement approved by a federal judge.

Wawa managed to beat the clock in Philadelphia, opening a flagship location just in time for the Pope’s visit.

The convenience store operator opened the 4,000-sq.-ft. store nearly two months ahead of schedule, and in time for the crowds in town to see Pope Francis.

The new Wawa features an entirely new store design, colors, graphics and other one-of-a-kind features. It was designed in collaboration with Interbrand Design Forum, Dayton, Ohio, and Cuhaci and Peterson, locally based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Nine large U.S. companies on Wednesday committed themselves to achieving a major sustainability goal — and three of them are retailers.

Walmart, Starbucks and Nike are among the firms joining RE100, a global initiative led by The Climate Group to engage, support and showcase influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity. Other firms joining the campaign include Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Salesforce, Steelcase, Voya Financial.

Sam’s Club and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation are investing in an innovative program to help spawn the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Kroger’s annual Leadership Summit will begin in unconventional fashion when thousands of employees form a human breast cancer awareness ribbon Sept. 29 on the field of Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.

An innovative cause marketing initiative involving Nordstrom’s Treasure&Bond brand is being expanded to more merchandise categories, and non-profit beneficiaries couldn’t be happier.

Learn how Saks Fifth Avenue reduced its energy use by 23% and saved millions of dollars—with no adverse impact on the customer experience — at a Webinar on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at 2 p.m. (EST). Hear first-hand how Saks is adding to its bottom line by reduced energy consumption.

Gary Levitan, senior manager of energy and utilities for Saks’ parent Hudson’s Bay Company will explain how the retailer used data to win budget approval for energy efficiency projects — and build longer-term energy plans.