STORE SPACES

Dallas -- The 49th annual SPECS conference officially kicked off on Monday morning at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas with two kinds of inspiration: Greg Buzek, present of IHL Consulting Group, introduced the Retail Orphan Initiative, and U.S. Navy Seal Scott Taylor presented Afterburner Black Ops, challenging the audience of retailers in design, construction, facilities, store planning and development to use Seal techniques to run their organizations.

By Krisha Brooks, VP engineering services, GMR

Whether the facility is a restaurant or retail storefront, owners and managers can agree sufficient lighting plays a key role in exterior facility safety. On a superficial level, lighting plays a significant role in presenting a warm and inviting storefront for customers. However, from a personnel, customer and branding standpoint, having adequate lighting in place that is regularly maintained, inspected and positioned makes an important difference towards alleviating safety and liability concerns.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, which will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix of stores, dining options and entertainment experiences  from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

Rockville, Md. -- Mom's Organic Market announced the activation of rooftop solar panels on its store in Waldorf, Md. The store, opened in November 2012, features energy-efficient design, including closed-door coolers, LED lighting and electric car charging stations. The photovoltaic system, installed by SolarCity, is expected to offset the store's energy needs by at least 15%.

New York -- Network with peers from leading retail and restaurant companies at SPECS, the industry’s premier store development and facilities event.

Produced by Chain Store Age, the 49th annual SPECS conference will be held March 17-20, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas. 

Click here to register. 

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that the company’s global headquarters, located in Boca Raton, Fla., has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification for the second consecutive year. The certification signifies the building performs in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.

Columbus, Ohio -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday it has worked with SolarCity to install solar panels on 12 Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs throughout Ohio.

The solar panel installations will add approximately 6,000,000 kWh of generation production – enough energy to power more than 820 homes – and are expected to supply approximately 5%-20% of each store's overall electricity use.

Durham, N.C. -- When Walmart Neighborhood Market in Mt. Pleasant, Wis., opens later this year, it will join the small but growing ranks of stores that are lit entirely with LEDs. The chain is installing LED technology from Cree, including more than 400 linear luminaires (CS18), for illumination – from the sales floor and pharmacy to restrooms, vestibules and backroom areas. Cree LED lighting will also be installed in the parking lot and exterior areas of the store.