Retail

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.

New York City -- Mobile technology ranked as the most important priority for retail in 2011, according to a recent online poll by Retail U. The respondents were asked to base their results on their key takeaways from the National Retail Federation’s 100th Annual Convention & Expo, in New York City.

Beijing -- China said Wednesday it is fining Wal-Mart and Carrefour stores up to $75,900 for overpricing, expressing concerns about price inflation ahead of the impending Lunar New Year holiday.

A statement posted Wednesday on the National Development and Reform Commission website listed about a dozen stores across the country that engaged in overpricing, noting high charges on items ranging from underwear to dumpling powder.

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."

The retail industry will grow by 5.1% in 2011, the strongest growth in four years, according to Customer Growth Partners 2011 Forecast and Outlook. The New Canaan, Conn.-based consulting and research firm projects that the industry will create over half a million new jobs in 2011, the most of any employment sector, and that retail sales will reach a record level of almost $2.9 trillion.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's will eliminate positions between assistant manager and manager, and hire part-time workers for the busy weekends.

The move will cut about 1,700 middle management jobs in the stores, but will lead to an additional 8,000 to 10,000 part time workers, according to Chris Ahearn, Lowe's VP of public relations. The shake up is expected to take effect Jan. 29.

Irving, Texas -- NEC Corp. of American announced that OXXO, the largest convenience store chain in Latin America, has selected NEC’s new point of sale hardware platform, TWINPOS 4500 as its standard.

With more than 8,000 stores strategically located throughout Mexico and Colombia, OXXO offers convenient services and products, 24-hour service in most areas and a fast and comfortable shopping experience.

CINCINNATI and NEW YORK -- Procter and Gamble and Macy's announced that they have partnered to promote P&G's Downy April Fresh fabric softener and Macy's sheets as the perfect combination for the ultimate bedroom experience.