Strategy

Rockville, Md. -- Mom's Organic Market announced the activation of rooftop solar panels on its store in Waldorf, Md. The store, opened in November 2012, features energy-efficient design, including closed-door coolers, LED lighting and electric car charging stations. The photovoltaic system, installed by SolarCity, is expected to offset the store's energy needs by at least 15%.

New York -- Network with peers from leading retail and restaurant companies at SPECS, the industry’s premier store development and facilities event.

Produced by Chain Store Age, the 49th annual SPECS conference will be held March 17-20, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas. 

Click here to register. 

By Denise Lee Yohn, Deniseleeyohn.com

Apple has once again rewritten the rules of business.  Its request to trademark the “Distinctive Design & Layout” of its stores has been granted by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. And so, as unconventional as it may seem, the Apple store’s distinctive minimalist design and Genius Bar service are now as protected as the rounded corners and user interface of the company’s mobile devices.  

New York -- Barnes & Noble Inc. signed an employment agreement with CEO William Lynch to remain in his post for another two years, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Lynch will receive the same compensation and benefits as before, but get an additional cash bonus of $1.8 million for his role in attracting investments from Microsoft Corp. and Pearson PLC in forming Nook Media LLC, according to a Reuters report.

Houston -- Charming Charlie announced that Tom Fitzgerald has joined the company as EVP, chief administrative officer and CFO.

Tom most recently was the chief administrative officer of Sears Canada, where he was responsible for store operations, IT, merchandise planning and allocation, logistics, sourcing, and store innovation.

Prior to his role at Sears Canada, Tom held several leadership positions at Liz Claiborne, and Bath & Body Works.  

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. on Monday forecast a full-year profit for the current fiscal year that was less than expected, and also revealed it will debut a new retail concept in fiscal 2013 under the Field & Stream banner.
 
In 2013, the company said it will open two Field & Stream stores, 40 Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, one Golf Galaxy store and two True Runner locations. The chain also plans partial remodels of 75 existing Dick’s stores.
   

A vocal minority continues to keeps Walmart at bay in New York where reports this week indicated the company has pulled back on expansion efforts there.

Walmart’s efforts in New York have been a series of fits and starts so to whatever degree the company has pulled back, don’t expect it to last. Walmart will be back and there waiting for it will be those ideologically opposed to anything Walmart does.

BURNABY, B.C. — Best Buy has named Ron Wilson as its new president and COO of its Canada operations, effective immediately. In this role, Wilson will lead the business in Canada under the Future Shop and Best Buy brands, including online.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Genesco, a specialty retailer of sports apparel and accessories reported fourth quarter earnings of $38.7 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, compared with earnings from continuing operations of $41.5 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

NEW YORK — Ann Inc. reported fourth quarter earnings per diluted share of 5 cents, compared with earnings per diluted share of 4 cents in the fourth quarter of 2011.

For the full year of fiscal 2012, the company reported record earnings per diluted share of $2.10 , an increase of 28% compared with earnings per diluted share of $1.64 in the full year of fiscal 2011.