Starbucks Coffee Co.

As Panera Bread’s electronic orders continue to rise, so does its commitment to digital customer engagement.   The fast-casual chain continues to add more digital touchpoints, making it easier for shoppers to engage with its brand. Whether delivering new services via the Web, mobile or in-store kiosks, “we want to drive convenience, speed, and contribute to an exceptional customer journey,” Mark Berinato, VP, digital, Panera Bread said during a session at eTail East on Monday.   

A retail legend has passed.   Costco Wholesale Club announced "with great sadness" that co-founder and chairman Jeff Brotman died Tuesday morning. He was 74.   "The thoughts of Costco’s board, management and employees are with Jeff’s wife and family,” Costco said in a short statement.    Brotman co-founded Costco Wholesale with Jim Sinegal. The two opened the first Costco warehouse club location in 1983, in Seattle.

Mackage

Toronto

Design: Burdifilek, Toronto

A premium brand born from the celebration of colder climates, Mackage (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto) received Store of the Year honors in the Retail Design Institute’s 46th annual International Store Design Competition.

Starbucks Coffee Company has closed the biggest transaction in its history.    The coffee giant is buying the remaining 50% share of its East China business from long-term joint venture partners, Uni-President Enterprises Corporation and President Chain Store Corporation. The deal is worth approximately $1.3 billion (USD) — the largest single acquisition in the company’s history, according to Starbucks.  

Brands just can’t escape a challenging retail environment — a main reason Starbucks is pulling the plug on its Teavana operation.   Just hours after the coffee giant announced it would buy out the remaining 50% share of its East China business from its joint venture partners for about $1.3 billion — its biggest acquisition, ever — Starbucks is cutting loose its Teavana division.  

An industry veteran has been tapped to lead operations at of the nation's fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant companies.    Mod Super Fast Pizza Holdings has appointed  Paul Twohig to the new role of COO,  effective immediately. The appointment comes as the company continues its rapid expansion in the United States and abroad. With Twohig’s arrival, Chris Schultz, former senior VP of operations, will take on the new role of senior VP, international to lead Mod’s development abroad.  

Retail tenant specialist Jack Gray has joined Mid-America Real Estate’s Minnesota operation. He will be representing clients that include Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mills Fleet Farm.   Gray arrives at Mid-America from an internship on Cushman & Wakefield Northmarq’s industrial brokerage team.   Gray is a recent graduate of University of St. Thomas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in marketing.  

Starbucks associates have a new leader to advocate for their labor needs and well-being.   Lucy Helm was named chief partner officer, a role she has been serving on an interim basis. As the chief partner lead she will head up the company’s Partner Resources Organization (PRO), an internal group that advocates for Starbucks associates across the enterprise worldwide, whether they work in the store, support center or Starbucks manufacturing plants.