— By Steve Tudhope — AutoZone goes the extra mile to reduce energy usage and drive the future. Memphis, Tennessee-based AutoZone is the leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories with more than 6,200 retail stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico. In 2003, AutoZone’s corporate leaders challenged its maintenance team to research the drivers of store utility expenses and find ways to reduce energy costs without detracting from the store environment. AutoZone’s primary objectives were to: Improve energy efficiency and reduce energy usage and costs. Develop …
retailers
Porter Ranch, Calif. — With opening a couple months away, The Vineyards already is generating anticipation as Southern California’s newest upscale and pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment center. What’s more, The Vineyards will also feature some of the region’s latest and most sustainable operating systems and eco-friendly fixtures.
Atlanta — The Home Depot® has been highlighted as a global leader on corporate climate action and continues to pursue its sustainability goals with new renewable energy initiatives in 2019. CDP, an environmental impact non-profit, has named The Home Depot to its Climate Change “A” List for its actions to cut carbon emissions and mitigate climate risks.
New York City — On February 5, 2019, Saks Fifth Avenue opened one of the largest luxury handbag destinations in New York City, furthering the $250 million ‘grand renovation’ of its Fifth Avenue flagship. The 53,000-square-foot main floor of the New York Flagship triples the handbag department selling space which includes more than 50 brands —14 of which are new to the store.
New York City — Rebag, the ultimate destination for buying and selling luxury handbags, has raised $25 million in Series C funding, bringing its total funding raised to $52 million. Led by private equity firm Novator, this round also includes existing investors General Catalyst and FJ Labs. As part of its investment, the digital-native retailer plans to expand its brick-and-mortar presence to 30 locations.
Hudson, Ohio — JOANN Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer, has named Wade Miquelon as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors. Miquelon was appointed interim president and CEO in October 2018, in addition to continuing in his role as executive vice president and CFO, and led JOANN through a successful holiday season.
San Francisco — On February 3, 2019, Charlotte Russe Holdings Corporation voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company plans to close approximately 94 of its 500+ stores.
Irving, Texas — The Michaels Companies, Inc. has decided to close all of its Pat Catan’s stores in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Pat Catan’s is a 36-store retail supplier of arts and crafts in Ohio and surrounding states. The company intends to rebrand up to 12 of the closed Pat Catan’s stores and reopen them under the Michaels banner.
Hudson Group Wins 10-Year Contract to Bring New Retail to Indianapolis International Airport
by Katie Lee
East Rutherford, N.J. — Hudson Group, a leader in North American travel retail, has won new business at Indianapolis International Airport (IND), bringing national brands and unique retail concepts to the Hoosier state. The 10-year contract, which is part of the airport’s concessions refresh program, includes nine stores and nearly 9,000 incremental square feet.