Sustainability

Orlando, Fla. -- Ikea said Wednesday that it has officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its store in Orlando, Fla.

The 120,900-sq.-ft. PV array consists of a 967-kW system, built with 4,115 panels. The retailer said the program will produce approximately 1,421,500 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 1,080 tons of carbon dioxide, eliminating the emissions of 192 cars or powering 122 homes yearly.

SEATTLE — William Meissner has resigned as CEO and board member of Jones Soda. Richard Eiswirth has also resigned as chairman of the board. Both resignations are effective Jne 30. Jennifer Cue will become the company's CEO. Mick Fleming, long-standing board member, will assume the role of chairman of the board.

The company also announced the elimination of the CFO position effective June 30. Carrie Traner, VP finance and principal financial officer will assume . Stapleton's duties.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has donated $250,000 to the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to responding to natural disasters and working alongside local agencies to help save lives in the wake of destruction.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has donated $15,000 in monetary support and product to assist with Duluth flood relief efforts. A $10,000 cash donation was given to the American Red Cross Northland Chapter to support their response efforts. An additional $5,000 in gift cards will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for essentials such as water and food.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Regency Centers announced it will construction of Grand Ridge Plaza, a 280,113-sq.-ft. shopping center, anchored by market-dominant grocer Safeway, on 24.58 acres.

Located in the heart of Issaquah Highlands, a master-planned community east of downtown Seattle, Grand Ridge Plaza will be the only major retail center to serve the community and is projected to draw shoppers from around the region.  

Editor’s note: No one could have predicted that a colossus was in the making when the very first Wal-Mart opened its doors on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Ark. Billed as the area’s first “quality discount center,” the store promised name brands and 22 departments, from jewelry and hobbies to ladies’ wear and shoes.

Parking lots serve as the first point of entry for customers and, as such, are an important brand touchpoint. Chain Store Age spoke with Dan Flaherty, national accounts executive, Ultimat/Crius Corp., about how retailers can maintain a positive first impression without breaking the budget.

What, if any, impact does a badly maintained retail property have on customers? Can it affect business?

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy, by increasing its solar program by nearly 25% in 2012, installing solar panels at approximately 30 additional Kohl’s locations.