Strategy

SEATTLE — Starbucks has long offered free Wi-Fi to its customers, but the coffee company has partnered with Google to offer up to 10 times faster network and Wi-Fi speeds at its U.S.-based stores. 

Throughout the next 18 months, Starbucks will convert more than 7,000 U.S. stores to the upgraded store network and Wi-Fi experience.

Chicago — Sleepy’s has signed into two Chicagoland shopping centers as part of the mattress chain’s expansion in the mid-west.

According to Mid-America Asset Management Inc. www.midamericagrp.com, which handles leasing for both centers, Sleepy’s has taken 6,075 sq. ft. at Cicero Annex in Chicago and 6,507 sq. ft. at Willow Creek Center in Glenview. The Chicago location plans to open this summer; the Glenview store opened recently.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has issued a statement from SVP and general counsel Mallory Duncan on U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s decision regarding swipe fee reforms. The judge found that the Federal Reserve misapplied Congress’ intent when it implemented the required reforms. 

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax Inc. said Wednesday it received a $72 million cash distribution from Boise Cascade Holdings LLC, in which it has a minority stake.

OfficeMax owns about 20% of the voting equity securities of Boise Cascade, which went public in February. The company manufactures plywood and other building materials.

OfficeMax is in the process of merging with rival Office Depot.

Target’s EVP of stores, Tina Schiel, and senior group manager of store planning, Nancy Devine, dug through the retailer’s photo archive and weighed in on the company’s evolving design philosophy.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation, Food Marketing Institute and Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) both issued statements applauding the ruling on the Federal Reserve Swipe Fee Regulation. The groups were responding to a U.S. District Court ruling on Wednesday that the implementation rules for debit swipe fee reform established by the Federal Reserve were inconsistent with the intent of the law.

Boca Raton, Fla. – Private home builder David Weekley Homes has presented Office Depot with its Partners of Choice Award. The award is presented to companies that receive the highest marks from approximately 600 David Weekley Homes employees from all levels of the organization.

FREMONT, Calif. — The Men's Wearhouse has appointed retail industry veteran Allen I. Questrom to its board of directors.

Questrom’s addition brings the Men's Wearhouse board to a total of nine directors, seven of whom are independent.