Retail

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot is launching the 2011 Green Business Challenge in partnership with Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI) and elected officials from across the United States.

San Francisco -- 5th Finger, a leading mobile marketing technology firm, has announced plans to bring in-store mobile trials to JoS. A. Bank Clothiers. 5th Finger will be testing the role of the mobile device to drive "consumer outcomes" including ensemble inspiration, shopper education and offer redemption "in store" leading up to the summer season.

Phoenix -- PetSmart celebrated Earth Day on Friday with the announcement that its distribution center in McCarran, Nev., has been awarded Silver Certification under the LEED (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system.

Naperville, Ill. -- OfficeMax announced that Michael J. Lewis will assume the role of executive VP and president of retail, effective May 2. He will have full responsibility for the retail P&L and all aspects of the retail business, including merchandising, store operations and real estate.

Most recently, from 2010 to early 2011, Lewis served as global head of a merchandising center for Wal-Mart Stores,

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s will rebuild its store in Sanford, N.C., that was demolished by a tornado April 16, the company announced Thursday.

Lowe’s will tear down what is left of the remaining building, which has been condemned, and build a new facility on the site, said company spokeswoman Karen Cobb. The chain hopes to re-open the store this fall.

New York City -- Retailers across the nation issued updates on their environmental initiatives in the days leading up to Earth Day, April 22. Starbucks Coffee Co. released its tenth annual "Global Responsibility Report," noting it has reduced water use, increased its renewable energy purchases and is testing a new energy management story (see story here).

Bloomington, Minn. -- Mall of America plans to replace 5,400 metal halide and high-pressure sodium fixtures in the parking ramps with specially designed new fixtures LED technology from Acuity Brands. The installation will begin in July. It is part of a multi-faceted sustainability program that will be announced during the coming months. Anticipated completion will be this fall.

New York  City -- Three Stop & Shop stores in the Boston area on Monday will launch a software app from ModivMedia that allow customers with iPhones to scan grocery items and add them to an electronic shopping cart, The Boston Globe reported.