Corporate Governance

It’s been 10 years since Walmart launched its sustainability agenda, and on Tuesday, the discounter detailed the progress it has made to date.

In two important milestones, Walmart said it has achieved its goals of reducing 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its global supply chain, and doubling its fleet efficiency. It also expanded an existing commitment to preserve wildlife habitat.

A law firm obtained a $1.35 million verdict for a victim after showing that Chipotle Mexican Grille was negligent in failing to repair a roof leak which, the firm said, ultimately lead to the victim's injuries.

Here is the story, according to a release by the West Palm Beach, Florida-based Steinger, Iscoe & Greene:

The store manager noticed the water pooling in the customer queuing area. He mopped and then verified the area was dry.

Towson, Md. -- Retail Properties of America announced it acquired Towson Square located in Towson, Maryland. The property was purchased for $39.7 million. Towson Square is a new development that opened in 2014 and is currently 96.6% occupied.

Atlanta-based Home Depot reported steady growth of transactions for its DIY and pro customers in third quarter 2015, leading the way to net sales of $21.8 billion, up 6.4% from the same quarter last year.

Net earnings for the world's largest home improvement retailer jumped 12.2% to $1.725 billion.

"During the quarter, we saw broad-based growth across our geographies and product categories, led by growth in transactions from both our DIY and pro customers," said Craig Menear, CEO and president.

The off-price wars are heating up in New York City.

Saks Fifth Avenue will open its first Saks Off 5th outlet in New York City, in a 32-story office tower at 125 East 57th Street, in March 2016. The store will feature a lobby entrance at street level, which will access two lower level floors.

“The addition of a new Saks Off 5th store at this strategic location will be a dramatic game changer for 57th Street retail east of Park Avenue,” said Charles S. Cohen, president and CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty Corp., which owns the property.

TJX shows no signs of losing its popular appeal with shoppers as the company reported stronger than expected traffic and same-store sales in the third quarter.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same store sales at TJX Companies rose 5.3%. The company said net income fell to $587.3 million, from $595 million a year earlier. On a per share basis, net income rose to 86 cents per share from 85 cents, as the company had fewer shares outstanding. Revenue rose to $7.75 billion from $7.37 billion.

Retail facilities are making the shift to LEDs, a more efficient, brighter and longer lasting lighting option saves energy and reduces operating costs. Its rapid return on interest makes LED retrofitting a smart, simple fix.

But what if LED lighting installations could also increase and guide purchasing decisions? What if thoughtful placement and controlled lighting could make customers feel more comfortable and safe, and make employees more productive?

The CEO of Dick's Sporting Goods said strong back-to-school sales couldn't help his company recover from a slowdown in consumer spending in the third quarter.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, Dick's reported a 0.7% increase in same-store sales. Earnings were $47.2 million, or 41 cents a share, compared with $49.2 million, or 41 cents a share, in the same period a year ago. Revenue rose 7.6% to $1.64 billion.

Despite weak overall sales growth and an expected decline in third quarter profits, Walmart’s third quarter results offered reasons for the company to be optimistic and for competitors to be concerned.