News

Discounter details its wide-ranging energy initiatives
Target Corp. is deploying a number of solutions to reduce its energy use. The retailer, recently named Energy Star Partner of the Year for the second year in a row, counts more than 1,400 of its buildings as having Energy Star status — the Environmental Protection Agency’s certification of energy efficiency — more than any other retailer. And the number is still growing as Target works towards its goal of having at least 80% of its buildings certified by 2020.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Georgetown (Washington, D.C.)
Peet’s Coffee & Tea’s three-level outpost in historic Georgetown marries a contemporary design with the locale’s storied colonial past.

Supervalu in $375 million acquisition

Supervalu Inc. has entered into a deal that will expand its wholesale business into the West Coast. The company announced it will acquire Unified Grocers, a California-based wholesale grocery distributor, for approximately $375 million.
Specialty arts and crafts retailer acquires video provider

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores wants to help inspire and educate its customers. The chain has acquired Creativebug, a content provider of videos on a wide range of topics in the arts and crafts sector. The purchase further establishes Jo-Ann Stores as a leader in the crafting industry, providing customers with an expanded offering of on-trend project ideas and classes, anytime and anywhere.
Whole Foods Market under pressure

After six straight quarters of declining same-store sales, Whole Foods Market is feeling the heat. Activist investor Jana Partners disclosed it had taken an 8.3% stake in the chain, and wants to accelerate its turnaround, Bloomberg reported.
Office supplies giant honored for energy efficiency

Staples has been named a 2017 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award winner for continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency achievements. It is the eighth year in a row the company has been so honored.
Regency announces Miami development

Regency Center has announced the start of a ground-up addition to a center in an affluent section of Miami. The nation’s largest retail REIT will add 70,000 sq. ft. of retail to an existing 173,000-sq.-ft. Target on US- 1 to create the new center, called Pinecrest place. The bulk of the addition will be occupied by a 46,000-sq.-ft. Whole Foods Market. Construction is expected to be completed in second quarter 2018.
Specialty chain beefs up loyalty program, goes mobile

Lids Sports Group is giving its fans something to cheer about. In addition to unveiling Access Pass, Lids’ new rewards program that features exclusive deals and invitations to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the retailer also launched a new mobile app to keep members instantly connected to their account.
Indian fashion retailer personalizes experience with cognitive learning

Fashion retailer abof is breaking new ground by leveraging machine learning and natural language to better service its online shoppers. Aditya Birla Online Fashion (abof) sells apparel, footwear and accessories for men and women, and has a strong millennial consumer base. Knowing this customer segment expects a highly convenient and distinctive customer service, abof needed a way to personalize its online experience.
Kohl’s taps former Best Buy exec as chief marketer

Kohl’s Cos. has a new chief marketer. The retailer on Monday named former Best Buy marketing executive Greg Revelle as chief marketing officer. He will be responsible for Kohl’s marketing organization and overall marketing strategy, including its focus on driving customer engagement through analytics, enhancing the loyalty platform, accelerating customer traffic and continuing to build Kohl’s overall brand position. Revelle will report to Michelle Gass, chief merchandising and customer officer.
Regional sporting goods retailer acquired by former grocery CEO

Omega Sports has a new owner. The Greensboro, North Carolina-based sporting goods retailer has been acquired by Craig and Kristin Carlock. Effective immediately, Craig Carlock, former CEO of specialty grocer The Fresh Market, is Omega’s new CEO.
Detroit power center changes hands

Shelby Crossings, a 76,390-sq.-ft. power center in the Detroit suburb of Utica, has been acquired by Beverly Hills, Michigan-based Grand Management & Development. Mid-America Real Estate Corp., which represented the seller in the transaction, could not disclose the price. The property features the Bed Bath & Beyond subsidiaries Christmas Tree Shops and BuyBuy Baby, and is surrounded by a larger regional center anchored by Target and Planet Fitness.