Legislative, Regulatory & Legal

Report: Virginia is first state to legally support robot delivery traffic
Virginia’s new law is a coup for robotics. The commonwealth is the first state to pass legislation allowing delivery robots to operate on sidewalks and crosswalks across the state, according to ReCode.
Decoding the Code
Newest ASHRAE standard reduces LPD allowances
The ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 energy standard provides a model energy code to jurisdictions interested in regulating the energy-efficient design of commercial buildings. ASHRAE recently published the 2016 version, which supersedes the 2013 version.
The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes the 2013 version as the national energy reference standard. Starting in October 2016, all states were required to have an energy code in place at least as stringent as 90.1-2013 or justify why they could not comply.

Retail Transformation

Turning historic spaces into contemporary stores
NRF takes its case against border adjustment tax to the public
Report: Hhgregg plans to file for bankruptcy as soon as next month

A week after bringing in advisers to determine how to return the chain to profitability, Hhgregg is preparing to file Chapter 11.
Survey: Trump will be good for commercial real estate

Seven out of 10 commercial real estate executives believe that the Trump administration will have a positive impact on their business in 2017. Seyfarth Shaw, one of the most active real estate law firms in the U.S., polled 151 owners, developers, and brokers and found them bullish on the embattled President. They foresee efforts in deregulation, tax reform, and the potential dismantling of Dodd-Frank as aiding their causes.
NRF and retailers to U.S. Supreme Court: Let swipe card fees ruling stand

Payment card fees is a sore subject for the retail industry — especially with the possibility that a settlement is being revisited by parties seeking an appeal. The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Associa-tion requested that the U.S. Supreme Court let stand an appeals court rul-ing that struck down a controversial 2012 settlement of a class action lawsuit over Visa and MasterCard’s swipe card fees.
NRF: The nation’s labor secretary must ‘put the American economy ahead of partisan politics’

The National Retail Federation has high expectations for the nation’s next secretary of labor. On the heels of Alexander Acosta’s nomination to head the federal Department of Labor on Thursday, Feb. 16, the retail trade association’s senior VP for government relations David French released the following statement:
Report: Man charged with attempting to plant bombs in Target stores

Target Corp. is the central player in a drama that even Hollywood wouldn’t dream A Florida man has been charged with plotting to bomb Target stores along the East Coast — an attempt to cheapen the company’s stock.
Transforming Historic Spaces into Contemporary Retail Stores

For a retailer, the allure of a historic building is obvious: A renovated historic space conveys a unique degree of character and a memorable and defining sense of place. It can help a brand or business stand out in a crowded and competitive retail marketplace and deliver that all-important experiential element.

Legislative, Regulatory & Legal

Report: Virginia is first state to legally support robot delivery traffic

Decoding the Code

Retail Transformation

NRF takes its case against border adjustment tax to the public

Report: Hhgregg plans to file for bankruptcy as soon as next month

Survey: Trump will be good for commercial real estate

NRF and retailers to U.S. Supreme Court: Let swipe card fees ruling stand

NRF: The nation’s labor secretary must ‘put the American economy ahead of partisan politics’

Report: Man charged with attempting to plant bombs in Target stores

Transforming Historic Spaces into Contemporary Retail Stores