News

Home furnishings giant prepares for another solar project
Ikea’s next solar-powered store is in the works. The home furnishings giant’s future Jacksonville, Florida store, slated to open in the fall, will be the newest location to feature a solar power system. Panel installation will begin this summer, and is expected to be complete by early fall. This will be Ikea’s fifth solar array in the state of Florida, according to the retailer.
Mickey Drexler out as CEO of J.Crew Group
It is the end of an era in retail. One of the most prominent — and legendary — chief executives in retail is stepping down. Millard “Mickey” Drexler will step down after almost 15 years as J. Crew’s CEO as of July. He will continue in his role as chairman. Drexler is the former CEO of Gap Inc., which he built into a retail powerhouse. He was abruptly fired in 2002 by Gap founder Donald Fisher amid slumping sales and the chain's falling stock. (Prior to Gap, Drexler oversaw a turnaround of Ann Taylor.)

Walmart shareholders approve directors, compensation

Walmart shared the results of its 47th annual shareholders meeting held June 2.
Industry Commentary: Walmart's employee delivery initiative

Walmart recently announced a pilot program where its associates would be given the option to deliver online orders on their way home from work. Two industry experts offer their comments on the program below:
BevMo taps former Dick’s Sporting Goods exec to oversee store operations

BevMo has made a move to further boost its store experience. Matt Navarro was named senior VP of operations for the beverage retailer, responsible for all store operations, customer service and loss prevention. In this position, Navarro will be tasked with elevating BevMo’s in-store shopping experience, including driving customer loyalty, enhancing its service model and strengthening employee development programs.
From Catwalk Trends to Data Trends: Must-Have Skills for Tomorrow’s Retailers

In today’s digital world, creativity is just one skill needed for commercial success in the fashion industry. The art of design remains crucial, but leading designers are supplementing art with science – using digital technologies to connect with customers on both a hyper-local and hyper-personal level.
Study: Amazon sees double-digit growth in consumables

Despite a decline in the overall health & personal care (HPC), baby and grocery categories industry-wide, Amazon is grabbing double-digit wallet share.
Discounter opens new warehouse in Wisconsin

Coinciding with its recently announced growth plan, Dollar General opened a new distribution center. The new $100 million facility resides in Janesville, Wisconsin. It is the company’s 14th warehouse. The approximately 1 million-sq.-ft. depot, which began shipping merchandise in January, serves approximately 800 stores in nine states in the upper Midwest, and employs more than 500 employees. Along with more than 130 store locations in the state, Dollar General now has more than 1,300 employees in the state of Wisconsin.
Billabong taps former Nordstrom exec as finance head

Billabong has a new finance chief. The board sports apparel retailer has named Jim Howell as CFO, effective June 12. He will replace Peter Myers, who has served in the role since January 2013. Howell has spent the last 10 years leading the finance and treasury division at luxury retailer Nordstrom. In this role, he oversaw significant cost management improvements, capital management and growth initiatives.
GBT purchases plot for Houston center

GBT Realty purchased 11.7 acres of land in Kemah, Texas, with plans to build a 79,000-sq.-ft. shopping center, reported mySA, a San Antonio news site. Purchase price was $2.1 million. According to GBT, the center is 92% leased. Committed tenants include Petco, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less, and Ulta. Located south of Houston on Trinity Bay, Kemah has just 2,000 residents, but draws tourists with a boardwalk and entertainment district containing carnival rides, restaurants, and shops.