Corporate Governance

Online giant’s fulfillment network enters new territory
Amazon is once again expanding its distribution fleet — this time in the Beehive State. The online giant will open an 855,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center in Salt Lake City — the company’s first warehouse in Utah. The facility, which will employ 1,500 full-time hourly associates, will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys.
New center gives boost to Georgia town
A new Publix-anchored center has brought 200 jobs and new shopping and dining opportunities to the 14,000-plus residents of Moultrie, Georgia, according to The Moultrie Observer. “We’d had 26 ribbon cuttings through March. There’s a lot of new businesses expansions, adding a few people here and there. Our unemployment rate continues to drop.” said Darrell Moore, president of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority.

Online plus-size retailer has ambitious plans for brick-and-mortar

Eloquii is making the leap to physical retailing — with more than one location. The plus-size fashion brand is set to open a store at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Arlington, Va., followed by a location in downtown Chicago, and one at Easton Town Center, in Columbus, Ohio, which will open in September, reported The Columbus Dispatch.
The most valuable brands in the world are...

Technology giants, including a retailer, dominated an annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands.
Shoptalk Europe attracts diverse lineup of speakers

The CEO of Hudson's Bay Company, the managing director of Harrods, and the president of Pinterest will be among the featured speakers at Shoptalk Europe. The event will take place on October 9-11, 2017, at The Bella Center in Copenhagen. It will feature more than 125 speakers, according to organizers, with 75% of the speakers being C-level executives, including 65 CEOs. More than 2,000 attendees are expected.
Westlake Ace Hardware hits store milestone

Westlake Ace Hardware has officially hit the 100-store milestone with the acquisition of two new stores. The hardware store chain has finalized its acquisition of two Q.P. Ace Hardware stores in the Omaha area, bringing its total retail hardware location count in the U.S. to 100.
Former Target merchandising exec joins specialty coffee retailer

A Target veteran has joined the leadership team of Caribou Coffee. John Butcher, who most recently served as senior VP merchandising: beauty and DermStore, has been tapped as president of Caribou Coffee. Butcher joined Target in 1997, working his way up through the ranks serving in various operations and merchandising roles, including serving as VP and general merchandise manager, electronics.
Contest Entry
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
Survey Reveals Retailers Ready for Smart Building Solutions
Target's CMO talks brands

Mark Tritton, Target’s executive VP and chief merchandising officer, discussed the retailer's new exclusive brands in a posting on the company's corporate website. Here are some key excerpts: What’s the inspiration behind these new brands?
Target to debut four new brands

Target Corp. is doubling down on its efforts to distinguish itself with exclusive brands and to be a leader in two key categories. The discounter revealed in a posting on its web site that it will launch three new apparel brands and one new home goods brand in its stores and online this fall.