Finance & Capital Management

Retail facilities are making the shift to LEDs, a more efficient, brighter and longer-lasting lighting option that saves energy and reduces operating costs. Its rapid return on interest makes LED retrofitting a smart, simple fix.

But what if LED lighting installations could also increase and guide purchasing decisions? What if thoughtful placement and controlled lighting could make customers feel more comfortable and safe, and make employees more productive?

Project Owner: RPAI

Company HQ: Oak Brook, Illinois

Project Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Project Size: 258,000 sq. ft. of retail space

Project Status: Open and operating

Company Website: www.rpai.com

Company HQ: Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, New York City and Atlanta

Company Website: www.phillipsedison.com

Taking the reins of Toys “R” Us in July 2015, new CEO and chairman David Brandon recognized one of the biggest challenges he faced would be inspiring others to execute his vision of what the company could be. The retailer had gone through a decade of leadership changes, and Brandon was well aware that frequent executive changes, strategic shifts and cost-cutting can cause stress and a lack of trust.

The ongoing quest of Sears Holding Corp. to leverage its vast real estate portfolio helped pave the way for British fast-fashion retailer Primark to enter the United States, giving the import access to space in malls throughout the Northeast.

In late 2014, Primark struck a deal with Sears to lease a total of approximately 520,000 sq. ft. in seven Sears mall-based locations. All the space is expected to be delivered to Primark by the end of 2015.

While mobile payments are increasing, cash receipts still remain a healthy percentage of total sales and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Fifth Third Bank’s John Bultema discusses the proper management of cash in retail stores and solutions aimed at improving store efficiency and reducing costs.

What is the current status of cash handling in retail stores? Are cash receipts in stores on the decline?

Higher demand for running and basketball shoes is translating into more record sales and profits for Foot Locker, which reported impressive third quarter results on Friday.

The New York-based specialty athletic retailer posted a same store sales increase of 8.7% in its third quarter ended Oct. 31.

It appears that Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is starting to making progress in its turnaround efforts.

Helped by a less promotional stance and cost cuts, the teen retailer saw its profit more than double in its third quarter as it beat expectations. But similar to many other retailers, Abercrombie struck a cautious note and said it expects fourth-quarter same-store sales to be about flat.