Sustainability

Toronto – Staples Canada has released its sustainability report for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, and highlights include collecting and recycling 116,000 kg of batteries, surpassing its goal of 100,000 kg. In addition, in October 2014, Staples became the first Canadian retailer to launch an exclusive green energy offering for small businesses, letting customers sign up for Bullfrog Power online.  

by Gina Acosta   Mooresville, N.C. - Lowe’s Companies’ CEO Robert Niblock cited the recovering U.S. economy as among the reasons why the company plans to focus more on market differentiation and omnichannel retailing. The company said it will outline these and other strategic priorities in a meeting with investors on Dec. 11 in North Carolina.  

New York - Olshan Properties announced that Matthew B. Winn will join the firm effective January 2015 as COO.  Reporting directly to CEO Andrea Olshan and working closely with her executive team on the overall management of the company, Winn will be responsible for leading the firm’s daily operations and refining its operating policies, procedures, and processes. He will also focus on ensuring growth of the company’s platform as well as work to enhance its operational efficiency.   

Longtime Kroger executive and current chairman David Dillon is retiring Dec. 31 after 38 years with the company. Dillon, 63, will be replaced as chairman by Rodney McMullen, who also succeeded Dillon as CEO at the start of 2014, the company said. McMullen has served on the board since 2003.

CINCINNATI — David Dillon, who led Kroger's development of the company's successful Customer 1st Strategy, will retire as chairman of the board on Dec. 31 after 38 years of service.   As expected, the Kroger Board of Directors on Thursday elected Rodney McMullen, Kroger's CEO, to the additional post of chairman, commencing Jan. 1, 2015. McMullen has served on the board of directors since 2003.  

Gap Inc., is the only retailer to appear on a flawed list called The Civic50 that presumes to recognize the nation’s most community-minded companies.

Now in its third year, the lack of retail representation on The Civic50 is highly curious considering retailers enjoy a high level of visibility within the communities where they operate and are typically quite generous in supporting local charities and national causes. The consumer packaged goods was also under-represented on The Civic50 although companies such as ConAgra, General Mills and Hershey were included.

SC Johnson chief talks transparency SC Johnson CEO Fisk Johnson said his company wants to “lay it all out there” when it comes to transparency and greater disclosure in the consumer goods industry.

Speaking at the 2014 Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) annual meeting, Johnson discussed the critical need for the industry to build trust so families can feel comfortable with and believe in the products they bring home. He also said the industry should be clear and fact-based in environmental discussions, and advocate for better regulation.

CANTON, Mass. - Dunkin’ Donuts is launching its own green building certification program, called DD Green, to help franchisees build sustainable, energy-efficient restaurants.    In conjunction with the announcement, the company is celebrating the grand opening of a DD Green certified Dunkin' Donuts restaurant in Long Beach, California. Dunkin' Donuts will work with franchisees and construction managers to build 100 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants DD Green certified by the end of 2016.