Retail

New York -- The Association for Retail Environments is bullish on the future.

The organization is predicting good days ahead for the U.S. economy in general and retail construction in particular. According to A.R.E.’s economic advisors, all indicators show that the 2016 economy in the U.S. will grow faster than it did in 2015. And while economic growth will slow in the back half of 2015, it will not be negative.

Portland, Ore. -- Adidas is taking its act on the road and letting shoppers get up close and personal with its high-tech footwear.

Adidas has launched “Boost Experience by Adidas,” an interactive mobile space celebrating Adidas products and its “Boost” cushioning system. To see a video of the space, which will tour the country’s top running events, click here

New York -- Foot Locker has named a digital head from Target Corp. to head up its technology efforts.

The specialty athletic retailer named Pawan Verma as senior VP and CIO, effective Aug. 10. He joins Foot Locker from Target, where he has worked since 2013, most recently serving as VP, digital and marketing technologies and services platforms.

Verma succeeds Peter Brown, who retired in April after 38 years with the company.

New York -- Another retailer is going from clicks to bricks.

Pittsburgh – Who said women don’t like sports? Dick’s Sporting Goods certainly never said so.

Dick’s is launching Chelsea Collective, a specialty women's fitness and lifestyle boutique. The first two Chelsea Collective locations will open in August 2015 in Tysons Corner, Virginia at Tysons Corner Center and Pittsburgh at Ross Park Mall.

Bentonville, Ark. -- It’s the dog days of summer and that can only mean one thing: consumers are thinking back to school.

Minneapolis -- Best Buy is moving further ahead in its quest to make shopping across platforms as easy as possible for consumers.

The retailer, in partnership with American Express, has integrated new technology that allows Amex card members enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards program to use their points for online purchases on BestBuy.com.

Austin, Texas -- The importance of technology is highlighted in a promotion at Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods has promoted Jason Buechel from global VP to executive VP and CIO. As an executive VP, he is now a member of the executive management team at the company.