Sustainability

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Earlier today, Retailing Today reported that several apparel and footwear industry heavyweights were teaming up to promote best practices in sustainability, and now Payless has announced that it will support eco-model and Payless brand partner Summer Rayne Oakes who will wear the same little black dress throughout the month of March.

SEATTLE -- Recreational Equipment Inc. announced that Sue Sallee joined the company in the newly created position of VP accounting and finance. The company has also promoted Angela Owen, Tim Spangler and Tom Vogl to SVPs  of the merchandising, retail, and marketing divisions respectively.

New York City -- Forest City Enterprises announced Tuesday that, as part of the company’s succession planning process, current president and CEO Charles A. Ratner will become chairman of the board, and will be succeeded as president and CEO by David J. LaRue, currently executive VP and COO.

The changes will be effective following Forest City's annual meeting of shareholders on June 10.

VENTURA, Calif. -- The apparel industry has come together to form a coalition dedicated to reducing the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products sold around the world. According to a press release, the group, to be known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition will consist of leading apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic experts and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  

 BOCA RATON, Fla.-- Office Depot announced that it has launched a new line of energy-efficient lamps under the “Realspace” brand. The full range of Realspace lighting is available at more than 1,100 Office Depot retail store locations across the country and online at www.officedepot.com.

According to the company, all Realspace lighting is California Compliant, with each lamp packaged with a low energy light-bulb. The Realspace Collection also offers an assortment of LED lamps, which are 70%more efficient than using incandescent bulbs.

Washington, D.C. -- More than 500 building projects have certified through the LEED Volume Program since the pilot launched in 2006, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED Volume Program streamlines the certification process for high-volume property owners and managers, from commercial real estate firms, national retailers and hospitality providers, to local, state and federal governments.

San Diego -- Petco said Tuesday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the pet specialty retailer as an Energy Star Leader for reducing energy consumption by more than 10% across its building portfolio.

The company's efforts have prevented more than 30,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from entering the atmosphere.

PITTSBURGH -- American Eagle Outfittersannounced a campaign in partnership with FEED Projects to launch a new line available at American Eagle Outfitters stores and online that will benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. American Eagle Outfitters is now offering FEED Guatemala bags in more than 400 of its stores across the country. The bags are also available at www.ae.com.