Strategy

Milwaukee -- Goodwill Industries said Thursday it has teamed with Prolitec to introduce fragrance technology to 44 of its stores in southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago.

The rollout was preceded by a four-store test, and now the 44 locations, which include four under construction or in the process of opening, will utilize a signature scent featuring hints of sweet orange and honeysuckle, custom-designed by Milwaukee-based Prolitec.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Strong private brand performance and smarter expense management helped Kohl's deliver a hefty earnings increase and respectable sales growth for its second quarter.

The company reported second quarter diluted earnings per share increased 30% to $1.09. Net income for the quarter was $303 million, compared with $260 million (84 cents per diluted share) a year ago. Net sales were $4.2 billion, an increase of 3.6% over the comparable prior year quarter. Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 1.9%.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar said Thursday it has opened its 7,000th store -- on South Highland St. in Memphis, Ten.

The newest store, which opened on Wednesday, features a new design with green elements and easy-to-navigate layout.

The retirement of veteran merchant John Westling was announced internally at Walmart last Friday, and in typical fashion his departure has created new opportunities for other executives as responsibilities are reallocated.

Sarasota, Fla. -- Centro Properties Group US announced that GNC has opened a 1,100-sq.-ft. store at Sarasota Village shopping center, located in Sarasota, Fla.

Centro, based in New York City, is the owner of Sarasota Village.
 

Walmart’s policy of prohibiting employees from accepting the smallest of gratuities has been in place for a long time and for good reason. Veterans of the company will tell you that early on it was a key driver of success because there was a time when the retail industry was rife with merchants who tended to make buying decisions that were in their best interest as opposed to those of customers.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Thursday it has completed a 5.38 megawatt rooftop solar power system at the company’s largest distribution center in Flanders, N.J.

The solar roof is estimated to offset 72% of the electrical needs for the Toys “R” Us facility, making it the largest operational rooftop solar installation in North America.

ST. JOHNS, Fla. — Just one week after opening a remodeled store in Apopka, Fla., Winn-Dixie has opened another reformatted store in St. Johns, making it the company's first overhauled location in the North Florida area.

The renovated Winn-Dixie features an expanded grocery department, as well as a deli serving restaurant-quality entrees and side dishes, the retailer said.