Events

WASHINGTON — The largest retail trade association on Wednesday said that President Obama's State of the Union address recognized the industry's role in job creation.

The National Retail Federation said that the president's "continued support of 'commonsense safeguards,'" which included support of such proposals as swipe fee limits, "will help retailers innovate and support the consumer spending that is crucial to job creation."

Chicago -- Lemont, Ill.-based Englewood Construction said Wednesday it has embarked on five new projects -- four in the Midwest and one in Washington, D.C.

In the Chicago area, Englewood has been tapped for three new retail projects, including the interior build-out for a new Trader Joe’s coming to the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Trader Joe’s will occupy 14,801 sq. ft. of first-floor retail space, topped by a two-story parking deck. The new store is slated to open in April.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation welcomed President Obama’s recognition of the importance of the retail industry to job creation in Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, and pledged to work with the White House on initiatives to promote continuation of the nation’s economic recovery.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Best Buy has confirmed appearances by Grammy Nominated, Pop/R&B sensation, Justin Bieber, and rock’s most iconic couple, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, in the retailer’s first ever commercial to air during the Super Bowl. Slated to air in the third quarter of the Feb. 6 game, this Best Buy spot will showcase creativity and humor to millions of football and advertising fans throughout the country, the company reported.

Berwyn, Ill. -- The city council of Berwyn, Ill., has unanimously approved a redevelopment agreement with Meijer to anchor the city’s Cermak Plaza shopping center. Meijer currently has nearly 200 locations in the Midwest, and this newest site will be the closest location to downtown Chicago.

Meijer recently announced a new format, Chicagoland, for the urban marketplace. These urban infill stores will focus largely on grocery and pharmacy but will still offer general merchandise for a one-stop-shopping experience.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that beginning Jan. 30 through Feb. 5, or while supplies last, customers can save up to $560 on a Samsung LED HDTV and Blu-ray disc player bundle. Customers can also enjoy up to $100 savings on additional select HDTVs and up to $40 savings on select home theater systems.

Other HDTV promotions include:

Orange, Va. -- Wal-Mart Stores has abandoned its plans to build a Walmart Superstore near a Civil War battlefield in Virginia. The retailer’s lawyers made the announcement Wednesday in a northern Virginia court, where a judge has been hearing a case to block the plan.

WASHINGTON --The National Retail Federation announced that it welcomed the focus on job creation and the economy expected in President Obama’s State of the Union Address.