Finance & Capital Management

Barnes & Noble is hoping that hiring a CEO with experience launching electronics products will help revive its Nook e-reader division.

The retailer has named Ronald D. Boire, currently president and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., to become the CEO of its new retail division.

Sears Canada Inc. is looking for its fourth CEO in a little over two years as the company seeks to return to profitability.

Sears said Ronald D. Boire will be departing from his position as president and CEO of the company at the end of the summer to pursue an opportunity in the United States. On the same day, Barnes & Noble announced that opportunity is CEO of that company's retail business.

Sears Canada said that Brandon G. Stranzl, chairman of the board of the corporation, has been named executive chairman effective immediately.

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Customers are less satisfied with fast food as their discretionary income improves and preferences shift in favor of quality over price.

According to new data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), two new entrants to ACSI debut at the top of limited-service (fast food) restaurants: Chick-fil-A and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

San Antonio, Texas - CST Brands Inc., through its CrossAmerica Partners LP wholly-owned subsidiary, has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Charleston, West Virginia-based One Stop convenience store network. CST is also moving 29 recently constructed stores into its wholly-owned CrossAmerica partnership via two “dropdown” transactions.

Time is often considered the most precious resource of all, because once it is spent, it can never be replenished. While there is no way to create new time, retailers can reduce the amount of time spent on such tasks as scheduling and payroll with automated workforce management technology. And as the old saying goes, time equals money.

Taking proactive approach can save energy, costs

Unexpected heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system repairs or breakdowns can result in unplanned store downtime or customer comfort issues for retail stores. With comfort such an important part of the customer experience, one that can impact sales, HVAC systems are indeed a critical component for retail stores.

In addition, HVAC systems are one of the largest sources of energy consumption in retail stores.

Saks Fifth Avenue reduces energy costs with LED retrofit

It’s often said that companies must spend money to make money, and this is true of investments in energy efficiency.

New York -- The top state for business is a high-tax, high-wage, union-friendly, cold-climate state, according to an annual ranking by CNBC.
 

The Men's Wearhouse is bringing in a PetSmart executive to serve as chief operating officer.

Men's Wearhouse said that Bruce K. Thorn, 48, has been named executive vice president, chief operating officer, effective immediately.

Academy Sports is marking a company milestone this week when it opens a store in Tupelo, Miss.

"I want to thank all of our corporate, store, and distribution center associates for their tremendous efforts in supporting us as we achieve this milestone in our strategic five-year growth plan," said Rodney Faldyn, president and CEO of Academy Sports + Outdoors. "We have no intention of stopping our growth at 200 as we're committed to bringing our stores to active communities throughout the Midwest, South, and Southeast U.S."