Transform SR Brands LLC

Sears Holding Corp. is making a timely expansion to its seamless “Meet With An Expert” service as it looks to engage with shoppers this spring.

Sears has extended its “Meet With An Expert” service introduced last fall to its lawn and garden department. The free service allows online shoppers to schedule in-store appointments with experts in specific product areas.

Philadelphia -- PREIT announced it has completed the sale of four additional non-core malls. This is a milestone achievement for the company that signifies the near-completion of non-core mall disposition effort with one remaining mall being marketed for sale.

Mall disposition transactions include:
• Lycoming Mall in Pennsdale, Pennsylvania, anchored by J.C. Penney, Sears, Bon-Ton and Macy's sold for $26.35 million.

Destination Maternity says its turnaround efforts are working to drive long-term growth despite a decrease in same-store sales during the fourth quarter.

The company said that for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, same-store sales decreased 3.5%. The retailer's net loss improved to $3.1 million compared to a net loss of $17 million in the prior year quarter. Net sales were $118.3 million, compared with $121.2 million for the comparable three month in 2015.

Many retailers are lagging in their EMV adoption efforts, and many consumers may not care that much.

Social retailing is nothing new, but more retailers are starting to experiment with launching their own proprietary social media offerings.

Sears, Kohl's and The Home Depot are among the retailers that have earned 2016 Energy Star awards from the EPA for leadership in sustainability efforts.

Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency honors a select group of organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. Whether a first time Partner of the Year winner, or a Sustained Excellence winner, these small and large organizations from across the country are leading the energy efficiency movement.

Kohl’s, The Home Depot and Sears Holdings have all been honored with 2016 Energy Star Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence Awards from the Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in sustainability efforts.

KOHL’S: Kohl’s was recognized for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency achievements. It is the fifth consecutive year that the retailer has been recognized with the Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award.

Photo: Arthur Valdez