Sustainability

Lighting is fundamental to any retail store, whether that is for setting a scene and influencing how a brand is perceived, or even encouraging shoppers to make a particular purchase. However, if not managed correctly, it can be extremely expensive. In fact, lighting accounts for around 53% off all electricity consumption in a typical retail outlet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  

Today, many businesses make free shipping standard. Or, establish majorly moderate price points through which consumers can earn free shipping.    However, free shipping often comes with a price – literally and figuratively. And the truth is, many companies are not positioned to do “free” shipping all that well.   

Walmart is setting some lofty goals for itself on such critical issues as sustainability and job creation.    In remarks Friday at the Net Impact Conference, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon outlined a "new roadmap" that will guide the company’s role in society on critical issues during the next several years, and pointed to a “new era of trust and transparency.”  

There’s going to be change in the leadership structure at Whole Foods Market that will leave founder John Mackey as the sole CEO of the company.   Walter Robb, a 25-year Whole Foods veteran, is stepping down as co-CEO of the chain, effective Dec. 31. Robb, who has shared the CEO title with Mackey for six years, will remain on the board of directors and continue to serve as a senior advisor to the company and as chairman of the Whole Kids Foundation and Whole Cities Foundation.     

Kona Grill is looking to minimize energy consumption and cut down on waste.    The restaurant company selected Ecova to provide waste expense management strategy and utility expense data management for the American grill and sushi bar chain’s more than 43 restaurants in the United States and Puerto Rico.     

One of the retail industry’s most environmentally-activist brands is shutting down operations for Election Day.   Patagonia will close its 30 U.S stores and headquarters in Ventura, Calif., on Election Day, Nov. 8, in an effort to encourage customers, employees and citizens to head to the polls. The company, which is giving its employees a paid holiday for the day, will also shutter its distribution and customer service center in Reno, Nevada.  

Clarks Americas has moved its head office to a historic location that provides employee- and eco-centric amenities.   After setting up shop in Newton Upper Falls for nearly 18 years, the footwear brand has moved into the historic Polaroid building in Waltham, Mass. The 120,000-sq.-ft., four-story office houses Clarks’s design and marketing operations, and retail and wholesale business support — divisions that are comprised of more than 400 employees.   

Elliot S. Jaffe, ascena retail group’s co-founder and non-executive chairman of the board of directors, announced his plan to retire.   Jaffe co-founded dressbarn in 1962 and served as CEO until 2002. He was ascena’s chairman of the board until January 2011, and then transitioned to non-executive chairman.