Store Systems

Milwaukee -- Roundy’s, Inc. will open Mariano’s Edgewater in Chicago on April 22. Edgewater is the fifth Mariano’s store to open of the 11 former Dominick’s locations acquired by Roundy’s in December 2013, and the eighth in the city of Chicago.

Store features will include a Vero Italian coffee and gelato shop, Squeez’d smoothie bar, and access to “Mariano’s Tastemakers,” 14 chefs and lifestyle experts who provide demos and advice.

Acme Tools, a leading authorized online retailer of tools and equipment, has launched its new mobile version of AcmeTools.com for online customers using smartphones.  

Developed by BlueSky Technology Partners, the new mobile platform leverages Acme Tools' ongoing investment in IBM WebSphere Commerce to deliver a seamless online shopping experience regardless of how customers choose to browse and buy.

Woonsocket, R.I. - CVS/pharmacy is launching a new service called Bill Pay at CVS/pharmacy in spring 2014 to help customers manage their monthly health insurance premiums. Members of participating health plans can bring their insurance bills to any CVS/pharmacy store in the U.S. to pay their premiums at no additional cost.

Atlanta — Simon Property Group has announced a series of improvements for Phipps Plaza in Atlanta’s fashionable Buckhead district.

The first improvement will make over the interior with a fresh new look. Plans include upgraded LED lighting, repainting, new warm wood accents, an updated railing system, luxury soft seating and lounging areas with Wi-Fi connectivity and chargers, upgraded restrooms and the installation of a hotel-like concierge service center.

Back in October, I commemorated my six-month anniversary as technology editor of Chain Store Age with a column looking at how retail IT has been disrupted in recent years. Now that I have a full year under my belt, I thought it would be interesting to look at how customer expectations of retail IT have been disrupted in recent years (and don’t worry, there will be no 18-month anniversary piece). Three paradigm-shifting changes in how retailers must now engage with customers using technology stand out.

Every Man is an Island

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. has remodeled a Sears Hometown store in Helena, Mont. The store now has a fresh look.

San Diego -- Petco today that Brad Weston, currently executive VP, chief merchandising officer, has been named president of the company’s small-format division, Unleashed by Petco. In this newly created and expanded role, Weston will drive all future strategy and operations for Unleashed by Petco, while continuing to lead merchandising for the Petco brand.

Arlington, Va. — Simon Property Group has announced details of a multi-phase renovation and expansion at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, Va. Anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s, The Fashion Centre is home to more than 170 stores.