News

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s has activated its largest solar project to date at its million-sq.-ft. e-commerce fulfillment center in Edgewood, Md.

Kohl’s, a leader in renewable energy usage, opened the facility in 2011, and recently earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council at the gold level. The location is Kohl’s sixth solar site in Maryland. It is also the company’s first LEED-certified logistics facility.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike has named Roger Wyett as its new VP of Action Sports. Wyett will oversee Nike brand’s skateboarding and snow businesses, as well as Hurley International LLC.

Sandy Bodecker, the current VP of Action Sports at Nike, will now work on special projects involving long-term product innovation. Additionally, Jim Calhoun, CEO of Converse, will report directly to Mark Parker, president and CEO of Nike.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea has received the green light from Merriam’s city council to go ahead with its Kansas City-area store.

Pending the land purchase, permits and demolition of on-site buildings, construction of Ikea Merriam can begin summer 2013, with the store opening fall 2014.

Los Angeles -- A report released Tuesday by CBRE Group found that Hong Kong and New York City rank number one and two as the world’s most expensive prime retail markets.

Chicago -- A report on Tuesday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission revealed that Dillard’s Inc. will pay $2 million to settle a class-action disability discrimination lawsuit.  
    
The department store retailer will also have to “commit to extensive, company-wide injunctive relief,” according to the EEOC.

Wilmington, Del. -- Survey results released Tuesday by ING Direct – to be rebranded Capital One 360 in 2013 – found that most Americans are purchasing holiday gifts with cash or debit cards this year.

The fourth annual holiday shopping survey found that more than three out of four Americans are purchasing gifts with cash or a debit card this year and more than three out of five (63%) are spending the same on holiday gifts as they did last year.
 

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- Clear Demand Inc. said Tuesday that The Home Depot has licensed its next-generation pricing solution to support its commitment to pricing and analytics.

By Jeff Boudreau, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions

With the holidays approaching, retailers are once again facing the challenge of securing the right staffing levels in their stores to meet the higher demand of the season. And just as obtaining the right manpower levels is critical for capturing sales, reaching the right labor mix in the warehouse is essential in keeping inventory flowing smoothly through the supply chain.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores on Tuesday announced activation of the company’s largest solar project at its 1 million-sq.-ft. e-commerce fulfillment center in Edgewood, Md.

The center opened in 2011 and recently earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council at the gold level. The location is Kohl’s sixth solar site in Maryland. It is also the company’s first LEED-certified logistics facility.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group, which operates the Maurices and dressbarn banners, said Tuesday it will launch a 760,000-sq.-ft. distribution center expansion in central Ohio.

Upon completion, the new facility will distribute apparel and accessories for its lineup of brands, which also includes Justice & Brothers, Lane Bryant and Catherines.