Corporate Governance

Slurpees on demand? 7-Eleven testing home delivery
Dallas – 7-Eleven’s primary value proposition is convenience, and the retailer is extending that proposition to embrace one of retail’s hottest trends: on-demand home delivery.
Survey: Chick-fil-A satisfies, McDonald’s leaves empty feeling
Ann Arbor, Mich. - Customers are less satisfied with fast food as their discretionary income improves and preferences shift in favor of quality over price.

According to new data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), two new entrants to ACSI debut at the top of limited-service (fast food) restaurants: Chick-fil-A and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

C-store operator closes OneStop purchase, dropdown transaction

San Antonio, Texas - CST Brands Inc., through its CrossAmerica Partners LP wholly-owned subsidiary, has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Charleston, West Virginia-based One Stop convenience store network. CST is also moving 29 recently constructed stores into its wholly-owned CrossAmerica partnership via two “dropdown” transactions.
Outlet mall coming to Orange County in October

San Clemente, Calif. – The Outlets at San Clemente announces its grand opening coming in October. The lifestyle center will be designed in the style of a Spanish village and offer up to 70 retailers at opening.
TGI Fridays offers social burger 'jump balls'

Carrollton, Texas – The range of social media keeps expanding, and TGI Fridays is now including burgers. The casual dining chain has launched “Buy A Burger, Give A Burger,” a new promotion that allows customers to let their friends compete for free burgers through social media.
Germany’s discount grocer Lidl lays more tracks for U.S. debut

McLean, Va. – German discount grocer Lidl continues to lay the foundation for its store debut in the United States.

The company which is establishing a U.S. corporate headquarters, in Arlington County, Virginia, announced it will also open a regional headquarters and distribution center facility in Alamance County, North Carolina. The moves are part of Lidl’s early preparations to expand into the U.S. http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/german-grocer-lidl-prepares-us-expansion-open-headquarters-virginia%3Cbr />
A Matter of Time (and Money)

Time is often considered the most precious resource of all, because once it is spent, it can never be replenished. While there is no way to create new time, retailers can reduce the amount of time spent on such tasks as scheduling and payroll with automated workforce management technology. And as the old saying goes, time equals money.
Planned HVAC Replacement

Taking proactive approach can save energy, costs

Unexpected heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system repairs or breakdowns can result in unplanned store downtime or customer comfort issues for retail stores. With comfort such an important part of the customer experience, one that can impact sales, HVAC systems are indeed a critical component for retail stores.

In addition, HVAC systems are one of the largest sources of energy consumption in retail stores.
Real-Time Data, Real Savings

Saks Fifth Avenue reduces energy costs with LED retrofit

It’s often said that companies must spend money to make money, and this is true of investments in energy efficiency.
And the top state for business is…

New York -- The top state for business is a high-tax, high-wage, union-friendly, cold-climate state, according to an annual ranking by CNBC.
Men’s Wearhouse names PetSmart exec COO

Fremont, Calif. - The Men's Wearhouse has named Bruce K. Thorn, 48, executive VP and COO. Prior to joining Men's Wearhouse, Thorn served as executive VP, store operations, services and supply chain at PetSmart Inc.

Thorn had been employed by PetSmart since 2007 in various positions, assuming his most recent post in April 2014. Prior to joining PetSmart, Thorn served in various leadership roles with Gap, Cintas Corp., LESCO, Inc. and the U.S. Army.
Amazon heads south of the border

Seattle – Mexico has always held an appeal for Americans, and Amazon.com is the latest visitor from the U.S. to heed Mexico’s call.

Following the successful launch of its Mexican Kindle store in 2013, Amazon has launched a Spanish-language Mexican website and mobile app with millions of unique items available.