Tipsheet: EPA Fines T.Joe’s | EEOC Hits Bass Pro | FAA Grounds Amazon | Kroger’s Mystery Building
Trader Joe’s to pay $2 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by Sarah Whitten at CNBC. “Trader Joe’s agreed to spend $2 million over the next three years to reduce coolant leaks from refrigeration equipment at 453 stores, and improve overall compliance. In addition, the company will also pay a $500,000 civil penalty for alleged violations to the Clean Air Act.” Read more
FAA issues final commercial drone rules – setback for Amazon’s delivery ambitions by Nat Levy & Todd Bishop at GeekWire. “In short, the rules as written are a blow to Amazon’s ambitions to deliver small packages via drone, via its Prime Air initiative. However, the FAA says most of the rules can be waived through an application process “if the applicant demonstrates that his or her operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver.” Read more
Kroger names Valerie Jabbar new President of Ralphs “Donna Giordano will retire from the company after 44 years of service, effective July 23.” Read the release
Merchants gear up for Amazon Prime Day by Matt Linder at Internet Retailer. “Amazon.com Inc. hasn’t yet announced when it will hold its second Prime Day this year, but given the success of the promotion last summer, experts are advising merchants to start preparing now for what is anticipated to be a mid-July event.” Read more
Lands’ End Promotes Becky Gebhardt to EVP & CMO Read the release
Chicago Housing Authority proposing Target store at Rogers Park senior high-rise by Robert Channick at Chicago Tribune. “Christopher Woods, president of Three Corners, said the project’s vision is for a seven-story, 220,000-square-foot development with 120 market-rate apartments and a 35,000-square-foot retail anchor.” Read more
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Home Security Camera Returned to Sam’s Club Accidentally Spies On New Buyer by Kevin Collier at Vocativ. “Arlo cameras are widely popular, with more than one million sold worldwide. While returns do happen, there isn’t a clear mechanism in place to enforce the policy that any returned camera needs to be returned to the company to wipe it.” Read more
Cincinnati: Kroger outlines plans for mystery downtown building by Steve Watkins at Cincinnati Business Courier. “Kroger plans to remodel the property into a culinary training and education center for its employees. In addition to training Kroger employees, the facility will serve as “testing ground for new food products and trend research.” Read more / See the bldg
Costco chicken plant controversy continues in Nebraska by Dave Roberts at KETV Omaha ABC. “I am for economic development, but I do not call these jobs economic development,” said Dawn Weigert, who opposes the plant.”… Out of the 280 people in attendance, the crowd appeared split when it comes to the plant.” Read more/See the video
New execs for Belk’s senior leadership team by Jennifer Thomas at Charlotte Business Journal. “Randy Whitaker will start as executive vice president, chief stores officer on June 27. Ron Garrow will become executive vice president, chief people officer as of July 11.” Read more
WSJ: A Beauty Retailer That Knows What You Want by Elizabeth Holmes. “One of the rare growth stories in retail can’t be found on Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. It’s in a suburban strip mall. This summer, Ulta Beauty, a chain that sells makeup, skin care, fragrances and hair products, will add 40 stores, part of plans to increase by 100 this year to more than 970 stores. At a time when many are shuttering doors because of lagging traffic and growing internet sales, Ulta is drawing in shoppers and getting them to spend more…” Read more (subs.)
Amazon to Expand in Georgia with New Fulfillment Center Read the release
Legislators Consider Cybersecurity Initiative For Retail Sector by Dani Meyer at Law 360. “Legislators are considering a directive for the Department of Commerce to team up with experts to create a cybersecurity initiative specific to the retail sector, according to a recent bill report, while also encouraging the department to address internet of things-related security concerns.” Read more (subs.)
Appeals court: Government’s discriminatory hiring lawsuit against Bass Pro can proceed by Thomas Gounley at Springfield News-Leader. “We are pleased with the decision,” EEOC spokeswoman Kimberly Smith-Brown said in a statement. “We look forward to having the merits of this important race and national origin hiring case heard in district court.” Read more
Jeff Bezos wins Heinlein Prize for space commercialization by Alan Boyle at GeekWire. “The prize also traditionally involve the award of a Lady Vivamus sword inspired by the Heinlein novel “Glory Road.” Dula said Bezos would be getting a surprise gift, and hinted that it’d be a space artifact. “We have something to give him that’s very special,” Dula said. The goodies will be presented during a Sept. 14 ceremony in Washington, D.C.” Read more
Tipsheet Extra Stories
Agents raid Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles restaurants
New Jersey: Target resolves problem with debit cards
ABC Carpet shuts down legendary Bronx warehouse
REI’s #OptOutside Black Friday ad campaigns wins big at Cannes
Kwik raises $3 million to take on Amazon Dash buttons
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