Corporate Governance

With buzz phrases like “omnichannel” and “customer disruption” dominating the retail conversation, landlords and tenants attending RECon 2014 in Las Vegas last May made it their mission to ensure that brick-and-mortar remains relevant. ­

When it comes to display merchandise solutions, most retailers are looking for more space and versatility. Uniweb has dedicated itself to providing both since making its debut in 1970. Company president Cindy Davidson discussed general trends in fixturing and what sets Uniweb, which prides itself as a made-in-America manufacturer, apart from the competition.

Smashburger is getting on the right track when it comes to reducing its energy use. The fast-casual, fast-growing better-burger eatery has deployed a Web-based energy management system that helps it identify energy cost-savings while also providing a consistent level of comfort.

The Barnes & Noble board has given the company the green light to separate its retail and Nook Media businesses to optimize shareholder value.

The company anticipates completing the separation of the businesses into two separate public companies by the end of the first quarter next year.

Former Walmart CEO Lee Scott is among four new members of board of directors at Yahoo, a company whose CEO Marissa Mayer serves on the Walmart board.

The General Mills board of directors has added Henrietta Fore, CEO of consulting and investment company Holsman International, to its ranks.

Fore currently serves as the chair of Holsman’s board of directors and global co-chair of both WomenCorporateDirectors and Asia Society, and previously oversaw the U.S. Mint and was administrator of U.S. international development.

Fore joins the General Mills board, as current member and former Sprint chief, William Esrey, prepares to leave in September after 25 years.

Crowdsourced grocery delivery provider Instacart is already putting the $44 million in funding from big name Silicon Valley investors that it received a little more than a week ago to good use. The company has this week launched its one-hour grocery delivery service in Denver and Atlanta.

HanesBrands plans to acquire DBApparel of France from Sun Capital Partners, provided consultation with European and French works councils representing DBA employees is completed and customary closing conditions are met.

Walgreens has opened a new two-story, flagship drugstore in the north tower of Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Building.

Assisted by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, representatives from the Magnificent Mile Association, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and others, Walgreens executives marked the 27,800-sq.-ft. store’s opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The Shopko Foundation has announced the recipients of its Shopko Teammate and Family Scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year. The foundation awarded $75,000 in scholarships to 30 students in 9 states.