Artificial Intelligence

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — KitchenAid has introduced new freestanding French door refrigerators that utilize a system of cutting-edge advancements to help extend the storage life of both fresh and frozen ingredients. These latest models join a collection of freestanding side-by-side models available with its Preserva Food Care System, designed to control the humidity, ethylene gas and odors that can rob foods of their freshness.

By Steven Kramer, [email protected]

Fashion and apparel retailers are using multichannel retailing to augment the in-store experience for brand conscious shoppers. In the process, they’re delivering a compelling customer-centric expression of the retail brand that elevates the destination status of their physical stores.

Michaels Stores is taking its energy conservation efforts to the next level. The arts and crafts retailer has rolled out several advanced extensions to its energy management system. The extensions are expected to bring Michaels’ total EMS-related savings to more than 30%.

The Annual State of the Industry Report is the centerpiece of this issue of Chain Store Age, and it’s a great read. It’s also very timely.

San Jose, Calif. -- Beall's has agreed to use VeriFone Systems' recently introduced MX 915 payment and media-enabled solutions system. Beall’s also will be complementing the MX 915 with VeriFone HQ, an estate management solution allowing the retailer to keep stores up to date with evolving payment and mobile solutions.

San Diego -- EcoATM, a start-up known for its innovative kiosks that fully automates the buy-back of used mobile phones and other portable electronics, has made its first major expansion outside of California by installing 28 kiosks in malls throughout Texas. The automated kiosks, which are typically located in malls and grocery stores, allow people to exchange their used or broken electronics, ranging from iPhones to MP3 players, for cash.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday it has introduced its first onsite large-scale wind turbine project, unveiled at its DC in Red Bluff, Calif.

The wind turbine, expected to be operational by this fall, will provide roughly one megawatt of power or 15% to 20% of the distribution center's yearly electrical use.

The GE SLE 1.0 megawatt wind turbine, equal to the height of a 20-story building, is projected to produce approximately 2,200,000 kilowatt hours annually.

Oakland, Calif. -- Lucid, a provider of real-time feedback technology for buildings, is spearheading a study of resource consumption and behavior change with Starbucks Coffee Co. The pilot project, developed in conjunction with the Snohomish County Public Utility District and Portland Energy Conservation Inc., will be hosted by 10 Starbucks stores in Snohomish County, Ore., and will serve to test and document measurable energy savings in the stores.

Armonk, N.Y. -- Hypermarket chain Real, part of Metro Group, worked with IBM to launch a new electronic coupon system throughout its 320 German stores. This first-of-a-kind digital coupon system, developed with IBM Research scientists, enables consumers to use their mobile phones to find and redeem e-coupons as they shop in stores. It delivers a convenient and personalized service to shoppers, even if they left their paper coupons at home.

Former Walmart chief merchandising officer John Fleming was named to the board of advisors at the online shopper engagement firm Jingit.