Finance & Capital Management

▲ Cloud computing, the remote hosting of applications on virtual platforms for on-demand, Web-based delivery, is on the fast track. Analysts estimate that during the next six years, 90% of new spending on Internet and communications technologies will be on cloud-based technologies.

Cloud computing (which at its simplest means storing and accessing data and programs on the Internet — the cloud — instead of a personal computer) is profoundly impacting how IT professionals implement, deploy and manage technology solutions.

▲ Investing in energy conservation makes business sense: According to ASHRAE, energy is the second highest retailer operating expense. A new white paper by the Retail Leaders Industry Association (RILA) and Schneider Electric notes that recent weather extremes have increased energy costs for retailers, and the trend is expected to continue. Factor in potential electricity price increases in the near future, and increases in energy costs could be significant.

Believe it or not (and I can barely believe it myself), the critical back-to-school period at the end of summer is right around the corner. While back-to-school is always big for retailers, this year’s period could be an especially important one, as 2014 has been underwhelming so far.

West coast retailer Smart & Final could be heading East soon thanks to big plans for a warehouse club-like concept called Extra it believes has nationwide potential for more than 1,250 stores.

Fernando Madeira will succeed Joel Anderson as president and CEO of Walmart.com to help the retailer further a growth strategy focused on winning at the integration of physical and digital. Anderson left to become president of fast-growing teen and pre-teen retailer Five Below.

New York -- Dov Charney, the ousted chairman and CEO of American Apparel Inc., is fighting back against his dismissal.

New York -- Annie Young-Scrivner, executive VP of Starbucks Coffee Company and president of its Teavana business, has joined Macy's board of directors.

Kevin Holt was named CEO of Delhaize America to oversee U.S. operations that account for 60% of Belgium-based retailer’s annual sales of $28 billion.