Strategy

Columbia, S.C. -- Industry veterans Terry Brown, Jason Tompkins, and Sam Judd last month launched Asana Partners, a retail real estate investment company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina.

Drawing from the team's deep operational and investment background in retail real estate, including more than $15 billion in transaction activity over the last 15 years, the company will acquire, own, and operate retail properties in dynamic markets across the United States.

Redesigned Hhgregg stores in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, offer new growth possibilities for the 226 store appliance, electronics and furniture retailer.

Hhgregg, on the heels of weak first quarter and 2014 results, unveiled new store designs in several Florida markets over the weekend with locations in Orlando and Tampa leading the way.

In recent years, the omnichannel world has turned retail on its ear. But after all the innovation, retailers have spoken: the store is back - and employees are going to be a key driver to its success. Retailers are trying to provide services in stores that consumers just can't get online, and for that, store employees become a clear differentiator.

But do retailers have the workforce they need? And what tools does that workforce need to be successful?

The two biggest specialty pet retailers in the U.S. may merge. According to Reuters, Petco Holdings Inc. is considering a possible acquisition from chief rival PetSmart Inc.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday announced the appointment of Jason Ausili as director, pharmacy affairs, effective Sept. 28. Ausili will report to Kathleen Jaeger, SVP pharmacy care and patient advocacy.

Target Corp., which has operated a proprietary innovation lab in San Francisco since 2013, is eyeing a more outward-focused approach to innovation. Target is partnering with startup accelerator Techstars to open a new retail accelerator program in its hometown of Minneapolis.

Ikea is expanding yet another of its older U.S. stores.

The home furnishings giant has begun demolishing a covered parking structure where it will construct a new, larger store in Renton, Washington, across the 29-acre parcel from its current Seattle-area store.

Razing the building will make room for construction of the new Renton store, slated to open in spring 2017.

Actual store construction likely will commence later this year after completion of the demolition and site preparation.

Two bills passed by a key House committee would help retailers save on store remodeling and improvement costs upfront.