Data & Analytics

Latham, N.Y. -- Plug Power announced that it will supply 161 GenDrive fuel cells to Kroger’s food distribution center in Compton, Calif. Kroger will use the renewable energy source to power its fleet of electric lift trucks. Because GenDrive is fueled with hydrogen, the only byproducts created through the electrochemical energy-conversion process are heat and water.

Dallas -- A survey released by Lucernex Technologies that polled the National Retail Tenants Association members about preparedness for the upcoming FASB changes found that, for the most part, retailers are generally not ready for the new rules to take effect.

In the NRTA membership survey “FASB Preparedness in the Retail Industry,” five key findings were revealed:

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Supervalu announced that plans to transition 40 stores to zero waste operations by the end of its current fiscal year ending Feb. 29, 2012. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday unveiled plans to establish deeper roots on its home turf with its “Chicago Hometown Investment Initiative,” a plan that will create an estimated 600 new jobs in the city over the next two years and quadruple the number of Walgreens’ food oasis stores.

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores spent $2.42 million on lobbying in the first quarter on issues ranging from organized crime to food safety, as well as nutritional labeling, according to a recent disclosure report, the Associated Press said.

New York City -- Many retailers are not satisfied with their ability to meet customer expectations for a seamless cross-channel experience, according to a survey conducted by Edge Research for Sterling Commerce, an IBM company.

The survey revealed several significant gaps between what consumers want and what retailers are currently delivering. A retailer’s ability to meet consumer expectations -- and deliver a seamless, cross-channel experience -- will be the deciding factor in their ability to survive in the age of the empowered consumer.

Leveraging the social and mobile channels to present a unified cross-channel experience is one of the keys to maximizing online holiday sales this year, according to the IBM Coremetrics Fourth Annual Online Retail Holiday Readiness Report.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores' third-quarter net income increased 6.5% as broader markdowns drew more store traffic. Its results, however, fell short of analysts' expectations.

For the quarter ended May 28, Family Dollar had net income of $111.1 million, compared with $104.4 million a year earlier.

Revenue was up 8% to $2.15 billion. Same-store sales rose 4.7%.

Family Dollar said sales were strongest in consumables and home products.

New York City -- BJ's Wholesale Club announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to be acquired by the private equity firms of Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.8 billion.

BJ's, based in Westborough, Mass., has 190 stores in 15 states. The company said its board unanimously approved the buyout.

STRATHAM, N.H. — The Timberland Company has announced the appointment of Mark Newton as VP corporate social responsibility, effective June 13. In this new role, Mark will lead Timberland's diverse global team responsible for managing the organization's four areas of focus within CSR: environmental stewardship, global human rights, community engagement and transparency and reporting. Mark will report to Carrie Teffner, Timberland's CFO.