Corporate Governance

Meijer donates $500,000 to help residents of Flint, Michigan
Meijer is continuing to provide support to Flint with a $500,000 donation to help meet the needs of the city’s residents, who are struggling with contaminated drinking water.

The retailer’s donation will be distributed to three nonprofit organizations that are coordinating a variety of relief efforts related to the ongoing water crisis, including:
Baker Katz acquires 30,000 sq. ft. of land in Houston
Houston -- Baker Katz, an X Team International partner and full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in retail tenant representation, investment sales, and project development and leasing, announced that it has purchased 30,000 sq. ft. of land in Houston and completed a 7,000-sq.-ft. lease on behalf of Advance Auto Parts. Construction will slated to begin this month with an opening in May 2016.

Brixmor Property Group signs grocery-anchor at Highridge Plaza

Yonkers, N.Y. -- Brixmor Property Group announced it has strengthened its tenant offering at Highridge Plaza in Yonkers, New York, with the addition of Hmart, an Asian-American supermarket chain. Hmart is scheduled to open a 41,764-sq.-ft. store in fourth quarter 2016.
Westfield unveils new customer journey at LAX Terminal 2

Los Angeles -- Westfield invested $78.3 million into LAX terminal 2 in Los Angeles, transforming nearly 76,000 sq. ft., including more than 15,000 sq. ft. of new dining and retail at Los Angeles International Airport. According to Westfield, the upgrade brings together a vibrant design, local restaurants and signature retail, creating a more holistic customer journey.
Home Depot embarks on spring hiring spree

The Home Depot is gearing up for the busy spring selling season with the hire of more than $80,000 seasonal employees.

The retailer is hiring for sales, operations and cashier positions across all departments, which range from the lumber aisle to the Pro desk and the outside garden.

Additionally, Store Merchandising Execution Teams are also looking for associates to set up displays, maintain store appearance and keep products customer-ready.
Restaurant chain to stay in the fast lane with expansion

Newk’s Eatery is on track with its plans to double in size in the next three years.

The Jackson, Mississippi-based fast-casual chain entered six new markets and increased its store count by 27% in 2015, opening 20 new locations. It currently operates 96 eateries in 13 states.
Lowe’s in big step up in Canada with purchase of home improvement chain

Lowe's is making major moves in Canada with the $2.3 billion purchase of Rona Inc., a Canadian home improvement retailer and distributor.

Lowe's had previously made an unsolicited bid on the company more than three years ago, but the substantially higher offer this time around was accepted by Rona's board.
What Retailers Can Learn from Uber’s Playbook

If you were an Uber user in Austin, Texas, this fall, you might have been surprised to see the option to take a horse and buggy instead of a car appear on your smartphone.

The tongue-in-cheek offer was part of Uber’s effort to inform and mobilize customers in its fight against what the company contended were antiquated regulations being considered by local government.
Expansion Strategies for Today’s Risk-Averse Retailers

While the United States continues to experience slow, yet steady economic growth, the future of the domestic retail industry remains unclear as businesses are forced to adapt to a world where consumers are more cost-conscious than ever before. Amidst this challenging climate, retailers must be smarter at understanding their customers, products and the experiences they offer.

Revisiting Brand and Revenue Expansion Strategies
Grocery veteran named new CEO at Supervalu

Supervalu Inc. has chosen a new leader to take the company forward as it prepares for a potential spin-off of Sav-a-Lot.

On Wednesday the company announced the appointment of Mark Gross as its president and CEO. Gross, 52, will succeed Sam Duncan who has previously announced he will be retiring.
Longtime Genesco president steps down

Genesco Inc. will be on the hunt for a new leader after its longtime president stepped down Tuesday.

The company announced that Genesco senior VP and president Ken Kocher has resigned. Kocher is expected to remain employed by the company in a consulting capacity for up to six months. The company has begun a search for Kocher's successor. In the interim, Genesco chairman, president and CEO Robert J. Dennis will act as the group's president.
Publix heads north, enters seventh state

Publix Super Markets has signed two leases for its first stores in Virginia.

The first Publix locations in that state will be in Bristol and in the greater Richmond area of Glen Allen. The Bristol store, at 54,000 square feet, will be located at the northeast corner of Lee Highway & Clear Creek Road in Washington County. In the greater Richmond area, the Glen Allen store, at 49,000 square feet, will be located at the northeast corner of Nuckols Road & Twin Hickory Road in Henrico County.