Finance & Capital Management

Encino, Calif. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services announced a number of appointments within its National Retail Group offices around the country.

Joel M. Dumes has been named director of the firm’s National Retail Group in Cincinnati; Dumes is currently VP investments for the company.

Scott J. Wiles, a seven-year veteran of the company, was named director of the firm’s National Retail Group in Cleveland, and Erin E. Patton is now director of the National Retail Group in Columbus, Ohio.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced it has hired Paul Berkman, Craig Slosberg, Davie Berke and Justin Haber in New York. The retail brokers will head the expansion of the firm’s retail tenant representation services in Manhattan.

HONG KONG — TV manufacturer TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings has entered into an agreement with Ikea for the development of its innovative concept of complete TV solutions that includes TV, sound system and furniture.

According to a TCL press release, the partnership will enable Ikea to offer customers designated electronic products integrated into furniture that are operated by only one remote controller, boasting the seamless blend of advanced technology and creative interior design.

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — Michaels Stores has become more energy-efficient, thanks to its rollout of a new series of systems from Siemens. The additional savings created by the new advanced-capability deployments are expected to bring total energy-related savings to more than 30%.

Target and other retailers have fought unsuccessfully for years to level the e-commerce playing field in the United States by requiring Amazon.com and other online-only merchants to collect sales tax. Doing so would eliminate the Internet-pure-play retailers’ most significant competitive advantage, and for a glimpse of just how significant look no further than Canada.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores’ efforts to reduce waste and boost recycling added $231 million to its bottom line last year, company CFO Charles Holley said at the chain’s 2012 Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting.

Other speakers at the event, which was web cast live, included Mike Duke, president and CEO, Walmart; Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart International; and Bill Simon, president and CEO, Walmart U.S.
 

Buffalo Grove, Ill. -- Siemens Building Technologies Division announced that Michaels Stores recently rolled out a series of Siemens advanced extensions to the Site Controls’ energy management system (EMS). The extensions will provide Michaels a cash-on-cash payback of 20 months, and an ROI exceeding 90%. In addition, the investment will drive further reductions in Michaels’ carbon footprint, the environmental equivalent of 5,600 cars from the road each year.

New York -- Tesco Plc will invest 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) to help turnaround its domestic operations. The chain will slow its international expansion as its concentrates on its home base.

Tesco, the United Kingdom’s largest retailer, will give a makeover to about 430 of its U.K. supermarkets, add more workers and expand its online offerings.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens named Reuben Slone senior VP supply chain management, effective May 16. He comes to Walgreens from OfficeMax, where he served as executive VP supply chain and general manager of services

Slone takes over supply chain management responsibility from Randy Lewis, who is transitioning to a new role with the chain. Lewis will continue to help advise on the company’s programs for people with disabilities and will play a critical role in several of Walgreens key strategic initiatives.