Corporate Governance

Report: HEB mulls acquisition of Brookshire grocery chain
HEB is considering an acquisition of regional grocer Brookshire Grocery, which would expand HEB beyond Texas for the first time, according to a new report.

If this deal comes to pass it would put HEB in markets beyond Texas, as Brookshire has stores in Southwestern Arkansas and western Louisiana, reports MyEastTex.com. The company’s website store locator lists 117 stores — 80 in Texas, 26 in La. and 11 in Arkansas.
Study: Biggest barriers for consumers in global online shopping are…
High shipping costs are the major barrier to adoption of global online shopping.

That is according to the 2015 Pitney Bowes Online Shopping study. High shipping costs (64%) were ranked as the biggest barrier in the survey, followed by additional fees owed at time of delivery (48%) and product delivery taking too long (39%).

Product returns are also a major concern, as 33% of global shoppers cited online return policies and processes as deterrents.

Veteran retail designer to retire

Elle Chute, co-chairman of Chute Gerdeman and widely respected creative force in the retail design industry, has announced her retirement from the firm she founded with her husband Denny Gerdeman 26 years ago.

Gerdeman will continue as chairman and, with CEO Brian Shafley, will lead Chute Gerdeman’s growth with its focus on d excellence in retail and hospitality design innovation.
Report: Step inside American Eagle Outfitters cool headquarters

American Eagle Outfitters’ new home office, in the South-Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh, boasts a riverfront location, city views and a walking trail along the Monongahela River, reports the Pittsburgh Business Times.
Target joins UNICEF in new health charity initiative
RCP Companies unveils $100 million mixed-use development project

Huntsville, Ala. -- RCP Companies reveals plans for its newest development in Huntsville, Alabama, within the Central Business District. CityCentre at Big Spring is a $100 million mixed-use development project integrated within Big Spring on nine acres downtown and between Von Braun Center and Twickenham Square.

Site demolition has been completed with construction expected to commence by year-end and phase one opening in 2016.
Online athleisure wear brand raises $7 million; plans to expand, open pop-up

As consumers continue to embrace athleisure wear, retail startups are clamoring to bust into the multi-billion dollar industry. Outdoor Voices – a chic athleisure wear brand for men and women, founded by 27-year-old designer and CEO Tyler Haney in 2012 – is doing a fine job of getting its foot in the door.
Rooms to Go to open massive furniture complex in North Carolina

Rooms to Go is cutting the ribbon this weekend on the largest retail furniture store in the Southeastern United States.

The Florida-based retailer will open a Rooms to Go Super Center and Distribution Center on Oct. 17 in Dunn, North Carolina. The newly built facility comprises approximately 1,450,000 sq. ft. on 120 acres and houses a state of the art Rooms to Go showroom, a Rooms to Go Kids/Teens showroom, a Rooms to Go Outlet Center and a huge distribution center housing tens of thousands of pieces of furniture.
Nordstrom announces holiday hiring plans

Nordstrom plans to hire about 11,800 seasonal employees for the coming holiday season, mostly for sales and stock positions at the upscale chain and its less pricey Nordstrom Rack locations.

The retailer also plans to hire 1,600 temporary workers to support its e-commerce business at its three fulfillment centers.
Watch this: Walmart CEO McMillon on 'Mad Money'
Costco adds digital knowledge to its board

Costco is adding a bit of digital expertise to its ranks with its latest new board member.
Starbucks deal costs Square

There are no sure things in business – not even a partnership with Starbucks.

In paperwork filed for a planned IPO, Square revealed that since launching an agreement to process back-end mobile transactions for Starbucks in October 2012 (the coffee chain did not adopt Square reader hardware), it has recorded $309.8 million in revenue but $380.4 million in processing costs.