News

Walmart and Target are said to be among major corporations working with the Department of Energy on the development of a new breed of energy-efficient air conditioners. The DOE recently announced that as part of a voluntary program, it worked with members of the DOE Commercial Building Energy Alliances, including Walmart and Target, to develop new performance criteria for 10-ton capacity commercial air conditioners, also known as rooftop units that are 50% to 60% more efficient than existing equipment.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gap said that it has expanded its Gap and Banana Republic online presence to eight additional European countries through its dedicated European e-commerce sites.

Gap debuted the dedicated sites in the United Kingdom in August 2010 and then expanded to include nine additional European countries in October 2010. The newest announcement brings the total reach of it European e-commerce business to 18 countries.

By Lindsay Carpen, [email protected]

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Panasonic has introduced a new bread maker that makes it easier to make raisin, nut and other more complicated breads. According to a company press release the SD-RD250 Bread Maker features a new raisin/dried fruit/nut dispenser, which allows for the ingredients to be added at the beginning of the baking process and conveniently dispersed evenly at the optimum time, during the bread-baking process.  The new dispenser, which holds approximately 5.3 ounces, is removable for easy washing.

It was almost all good news for Advance Auto parts this week, as the company reported record fourth-quarter sales and profits. Fourth-quarter earnings per share increased 46% to 57 cents compared with 36 cents during the comparable period the prior year, and full-year profits rose to $3.95 from $2.83 the prior year.