Strategy

As discussed last week custom facades as advertisements have migrated from the domain of premiere retail flagships to many, varied uses across the commercial and retail spectrum.

This trend was earlier spotted by Gensler On: Lifestyle as part of its “Top Ten Retail Trends in 2013.”

A strong report on Friday from the Labor Department shows that retail employment was up 51,100 jobs in February on the heels of a gain of 52,100 in January.

Compared with February 2015, retail jobs were up by 247,300. The numbers exclude gasoline stations, automobiles and restaurants.

As part of a leveling of its technology spending, Nordstrom Inc. has made a reduction in its technology personnel.

According to Geekwire, Nordstrom recently laid off 10 employees in its technology department.

Kroger puts produce front and center at its new grocery store concept, Main & Vine, which also boasts a large bulk-bin area and an event center where cooking demonstrations take place. The store, in Gig Harbor, Washington, capitalizes on Kroger’s centralized buying and distribution power to keep prices affordable on produce and staples, according to the Columbus Dispatch. [Columbus Dispatch]

Columbus, Ohio -- CASTO, The Daimler Group and The New Albany Company announced a joint venture to develop a large scale, mixed-use property, comprising 320 acres located in Columbus, Ohio at State Route 161 and Hamilton Road interchange.

Hamilton Quarter when completed will include over 700,000 sq. ft. of office space, 1 million sq. ft. of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, up to 800 multi-family units, and 130 senior living units, as well as hospitality and other destination oriented venues.

Fort Lee, N.J. -- Tucker Development announced long-term leases for first phase of Hudson Lights in Fort Lee, New Jersey. CycleBar, Linwood Wine & Liquor and SeeSaw will join the roster of tenants already signed to nearly 75% leased, 1 million sq. ft. development, anchored by iPic Theaters. The first-phase of the project will comprise approximately 140,000 sq. ft. of retail and 276 luxury apartments.

The 2,200 unit Bridgestone Retail Operations chain of automotive stores is drawing inspiration from a gold medal winning Olympic sprinter to help accelerate its performance.

Costco Wholesale Corp. is raising entry-level wages for its hourly workers for the first time since 2007.

The move comes as other major retailers have been upping the minimum wages for their entry-level workers amid a tightening job market.

Starting this month, Costco will pay workers $1.50 more per hour in the U.S. and Canada. Workers will now earn at least $13 or $13.50 per hour, up from a minimum of $11.50 or $12 per hour.

A new retail concept called The Mint Shack is the latest example of how the narrowest of consumer interests can be served with a digital presence — one that can also expand to a physical presence.

A first-of-its-kind website focused on all things mint. The Mint Shack has a simple philosophy, according to owner Scott Crillo, find the best mint products — from taste to color — and offer them under one roof at a fair price.

Convenience store chain CST Brands has addedtwo new independent directors to its board and announced it plans to pursue “strategic alternatives” that could include selling the company.

The company says the strategic review process will be comprehensive and will include a fresh look at several of CST's previously announced strategic initiatives and plans.