Corporate Governance

PetSmart has a new strategy to keep its 55,000 employees informed and abreast of key insights.   When the 1,500-store retailer wanted to improving data accessibility across its enterprise, it turned to mobility. The chain began its mobility effort by developing one mobile app in 2010. By leveraging the MicroStrategy 10 mobility platform from long-time partner MicroStrategy, the company now has nearly 20 internal apps that deliver key insights to senior leaders and associates across the enterprise, the company said.   

On the heels of a less than stellar holiday, Target Corp. is scaling back on some parts of its innovation agenda in order to concentrate on its core business.    The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Target has scrapped its highly secretive e-commerce startup called Goldfish, and also has shelved a prototype for a store of the future, complete with robots, that was due to be built soon.

Eighty retail real estate executives from CBRE recently gained the distinction of being the first class to graduate from a course designed to give field professionals a deeper knowledge of rapidly evolving retail business models and how they influence site selection.  

Restoration Hardware has filed a lawsuit against Crate and Barrel, accusing the rival brand of stealing confidential information to gain a competitive edge.   Restoration Hardware claims Crate and Barrel implemented a similar strategy that features food and beverage services at certain gallery locations.   

In a strategic move to bolster its logistics network, Amazon will build an air cargo hub in Kentucky.   The online retailer agreed to a 50-year lease for approximately 900 acres of property from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The project site, which rivals the size of global hubs of top cargo airlines — is estimated to cost $1.49 billion, ReCode said.  

Land’s End’s growing commitment to environmentally focused business practices has earned it the Green Masters Award — for the seventh consecutive year.  

Retailers, trade organizations and business leaders are teaming up and taking steps to stop the border adjustable tax proposal.   The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) joined more than 120 other trade associations and businesses to launch “Americans for Affordable Products,” a national campaign aimed at ending the border adjustable tax. The tariff, which is a component of the tax reform proposal under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives, would impose a 20% tax on all imported goods.