Sustainability

New York -- High-end luggage and accessories Tumi has selected LED lamps from Solais Lighting, a division of PowerSecure International, has its lighting product of record. Tumi has specified Solais’ Xi20 and Xi24 PAR LEDs featuring the company’s VioLight color-enhancing technology.

Tumi recently installed the LEDs in its store in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.
 

New York -- Let’s be clear about one thing: Paula Schneider is not changing the DNA of American Apparel. The apparel industry veteran, who took the reins of the troubled retail company in January 2015, is quite proud of the brand’s progressive spirit.

“We are a very inclusive brand,” Schneider told Chain Store Age. “One that gives everyone the opportunity to express themselves. You can see it in our clothes and in the causes we support.”

Staples is shaking up the back-to-school aisle with an innovative promotion that makes a difference for children around the world.

The company is partnering with Me to We and Free The Children to help children around the world by allowing customers to digitally track how their purchase makes a difference. 

Taking proactive approach can save energy, costs

Unexpected heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system repairs or breakdowns can result in unplanned store downtime or customer comfort issues for retail stores. With comfort such an important part of the customer experience, one that can impact sales, HVAC systems are indeed a critical component for retail stores.

In addition, HVAC systems are one of the largest sources of energy consumption in retail stores.

Saks Fifth Avenue reduces energy costs with LED retrofit

It’s often said that companies must spend money to make money, and this is true of investments in energy efficiency.

New York -- The top state for business is a high-tax, high-wage, union-friendly, cold-climate state, according to an annual ranking by CNBC.
 

The Modesto, Ca.-based Save Mart chain of 217 supermarkets has embarked on a major rebranding effort in the Bay Area where a new 61,000-sq.-ft. protoype bears a reimagined Lucky California banner.

St. Louis -- Ikea is expanding in the Midwest.

The chain will open a store in St. Louis on Sept. 30. It will be the Swedish company’s first store in Missouri, and 41st in the United States.  

The 380,000-sq.-ft. St. Louis Ikea is being built on 21 acres along Interstate-64 at Vandeventer Avenue. It will house Missouri’s largest rooftop solar array, consistent with the Ikea renewable energy presence at 90% of its U.S. locations.

In the midst of its strongest growth in years, Meijer and its produce partners are touting the company’s $100 million locally grown commitment.

In the midst of its strongest growth in year, Meijer and its produce partners are touting the company’s $100 million locally grown commitment.