News

Schneider Electric, Autodesk team up to use BIM to make buildings more energy efficient
San Francisco -- Schneider Electric and Autodesk are teaming up to advance building information modeling (BIM) technology and principles for building lifecycle management. As part of the collaboration, the two companies are exploring ways to complement each other’s strengths to make buildings more energy efficient, from the design and construction stage and continuing through operation and end-of-life phases.
Retailers give shoe shoppers a run for their money
Footwear retailer sales could be in for a “Boost” this spring thanks to a pricy introduction from Adidas backed by some big name athletes and a bold marketing claim.

Adidas contends its new Ultra BOOST shoe is “the greatest running shoe ever,” and for $180 it better be. It goes on sale next month in time for the Spring running season.

Michaels stock offering priced at $23 per share

Irving, Texas – The underwriters of a public offering of 18.8 million shares of The Michaels Companies common stock have priced it at $23.52 per share. In addition, the selling stockholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2.82 million shares of common stock.

The selling stockholders will receive all of the net proceeds from this offering. No shares are being sold by the company.
Bi-Lo names veteran Australian exec as CEO

Bi-Lo Holdings has turned to a veteran Australian retail executive to take over as president and CEO.

The parent company of Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores said that Ian McLeod has been appointed president and CEO effective March 2. McLeod succeeds Randall Onstead, who will remain in place through March 2.
Restoration Hardware names former Twitter CFO to board

Corte Madera, Calif. – Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. (RH) has named Ali Rowghani to its board of directors. He will also serve on the board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Will retailers see the Lite with this food company?

Retailers factor in all kinds of variables when evaluating suppliers and a recent change at sauce and dressing manufacturer Litehouse gives sellers of food and consumables something new to think about.

The 50-year-old family owned Litehouse company based in Sandpoint, Idaho recently became 100% employee owned following the execution of an employee stock ownership plan. Litehouse first formed an ESOP plan in 2006 when it sold 30% of the company as a commitment to employees and their communities.
Bloomingdales toasts Chinese New Year

The Macy’s Bloomingdale division is pursuing a micro-seasonality promotion opportunity with an Asian-inspired marketing campaign.

The company announced that it will be ringing in the Year of the Ram this Chinese New Year with unique merchandise, special events and cultural presentations from Jan.22 – March 2.
Report: Cache bankruptcy imminent

New York – Apparel retailer Cache Inc. is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy as early as the week of Jan. 26. According to Bloomberg, the 237-store chain is feeling the effects of reduced mall traffic and increased online and foreign-based competition.

In December, Cache said it was exploring options and had received an inquiry about a possible purchase. The company’s chief marketing officer also resigned that month. Cache previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1986 and came out of bankruptcy in 1988.
Epson grows mPOS receipt printer lineup to meet the needs of mobile POS

Long Beach, Calif. – Epson has announced the addition of two new printers to the company's growing lineup of out-of-the-box ready solutions for mobile POS (mPOS) devices. Epson's cost-effective TM-T20II and its under-the-counter TM-T70II are MFi (Made for iOS) compliant with Bluetooth and equipped with simple WiFi setup capability.
Southeast Regional Grocer adopts ReposiTrak food safety platform

Salt Lake City – ReposiTrak,a leading provider of Compliance Management and Track & Trace solutions for food safety exclusively endorsed by FMI and ROFDA, said that W. Lee Flowers and Company, which operates or supplies 90 IGA / KJ’s Market and independent supermarkets in the Carolinas and Georgia, has chosen ReposiTrak to manage their food safety-related risk.