News

Walmart announced that it will add solar-generating systems to another 20 to 30 sites in California and Arizona, and the majority of these locations will feature new lighter, lower-cost thin film solar technology. The new solar power systems will be designed, installed, owned and maintained by SolarCity, Foster City, Calif.

"Developing and incorporating new renewable energy sources, like thin film, reduces energy price risk and aligns very well with our commitment to solving business challenges through technology," said Kim Saylors Laster, Walmart VP energy.

MINNEAPOLIS - Target announced it will carry the Apple iPad in 1,743 Target stores nationwide beginning Oct. 3. Target said it will offer a range of iPad models, including the 16GB Wi-Fi model starting at $499.99, the 32GB and 64GB Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi+3G models.

“Target is very excited to offer the revolutionary iPad to our guests nationwide,” said Mark Schindele, SVP merchandising for Target. “We are committed to providing our guests with the best products and we think iPad will be at the top of our guests’ holiday shopping lists.”

By Guy Dilger, [email protected]

When it comes to luxury store retailing, properly rewarding a customer who spends $200,000 a year could be as easy as a walk in the park, or Park Avenue. But recognizing those dedicated shoppers who spend upwards of $1 million a year takes more than diamond points -- this kind of shopper requires sincere eloquence.

It’s a high-class, and at times bewitching, problem.

If there was ever any question about what retailers value most during the recession, it’s been answered. A recent report released by Manhattan-based MetLife showed that when a recession strikes, retailers trend more toward containing the cost of its benefits than on reducing turnover.