Strategy

A record number of openings in 2014 pushed 99 Cents Only close to the 400 unit mark, but the rapid pace of expansion did not translate to profitability during what the company called a transformative year.

Smart & Final’s largest shareholder has further reduced its ownership stake in the profitable and growing company by 10 million shares, but still maintains majority control as the retailer pursues ambitious plans in 2015.

When the Special Olympics get underway in late July in Los Angeles, a major awareness effort and hefty donation from Toys “R” Us will make a powerful contribution.

The retailer spent the past two months executing a broad-based campaign in stores and online to benefit the Special Olympics, which raised more than $4 million as well as awareness of an event in which roughly 7,000 athletes will participate.

Former Walmart CEO and current board member Mike Duke is the newest operating executive at the Carlyle Group, which suggests the pace of deal-making activity in the retail and consumer packaged goods world could be about to heat up.

An inventory build at Lowe’s in preparation for the launch of a new HGTV Home brand of paint was cited as the source of strong sales growth by paint supplier Sherwin Williams.

Spring is a popular time for painting and home improvement retailers typically promote the category extensively. Lowe’s looks to be ready for the season with a new brand launching called HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams.

Arlington, Va. – The Retail Industry Leaders Association has released the 2015 Retail Sustainability Management Maturity Matrix, a tool for retail sustainability executives to identify possible pathways to strong environmental sustainability programs. The Matrix, co-developed by RILA and Deloitte Consulting LLP, represents the collective knowledge of many industry experts as to leading sustainability management practices.

Philadelphia -- Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust and The Macerich Company announced that they have reached a tentative agreement with the City of Philadelphia on a redevelopment and re-branding of the Gallery shopping mall and transit center in the heart of Center City.

Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly supporting the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s consideration of the Data Security and Breach Notification Act. In a public statement, Mallory Duncan, senior VP and general counsel NRF, said strong tools are needed to combat criminal breaches.

Carlisle, Pa. -- Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets said they will begin paying all non-union workers a minimum of $9 a hour beginning in June.

The operator of 200 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia said the move was part of the company’s commitment to provide competitive wages.

"Our associates are the foundation of our success, and we have always believed in paying competitive wages to attract the best talent," said Tom Lenkevich, Giant/Martin’s president.

St. Louis – Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. has named Chris Hurt as COO. Hurt has more than 20 years of retail experience in senior leadership roles and most recently held the position of senior VP of North America at American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

Hurt will lead the Build-A-Bear Workshop retail and operations teams to drive sales and profits, while promoting ongoing growth for the business. He will oversee all business operations, including the corporate strategy and structure for stores. He will report to Sharon Price John, CEO.