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The double-edged sword of Amazon’s HQ2

Kate Hessong Civil & Government

"Amazon is performing a competitive site selection process and is considering metro regions in North America for its second corporate headquarters," Amazon wrote in its request for proposal, seeking a home for HQ2. If the thought of having a retail and technology giant call your city home wasn’t exciting enough, the company is also promising to bring 50,000 new jobs, $5 billion in up-front construction investment and an inevitable boost to the local economy. But is Amazon moving to your city too good to be true?

Retailers hold the key to Europe’s F-Gas transition

Andrew Gaved Facilities & Grounds

In previous posts, I have lamented the slow take-up of conversion to lower-GWP refrigerants in Europe and have presented several doom-laden scenarios about what might happen to refrigerant prices and availability if the industry doesn’t get a move on. I thought I would start this one off a bit more positively, and share a new a report that, while also lamenting the slow take-up of conversions, does move on to make some useful suggestions and recommendations for policy action.

Walmart’s Jet.com targets younger shoppers with new brand

Bambi Majumdar Retail

Do millennials shop differently? Walmart’s Jet.com thinks they do. That is why it is all set to launch the grocery brand Uniquely J for "everyday essentials." The brand’s focus is on young shoppers who like edgier and bolder packaging. Millennials are keen to buy quality products that are local and clean, and Uniquely J’s products will display transparent labeling and product sourcing details. The launch also represents an important next step in Walmart's pursuit of Amazon.

Negotiating commercial leases: Trade free rent for cash

Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield Retail

For many commercial tenants, negotiating a good lease or lease renewal against an experienced agent or landlord can be a challenge. While an entrepreneur focuses on marketing and managing, savvy real estate agents and brokers are specialized salespeople. Their job is to sell tenants on leasing their location at the highest possible rental rate. Whether you are leasing a new location for the first time or negotiating a lease renewal for your business, here are three money-saving tips.

Can this fabric turn clothes into batteries?

Delany Martinez Science & Technology

Power is important. Just ask anyone who has ever stared down that annoying red "low battery" indicator on a smartphone, just when they needed it for navigation or an important phone call.

Facebook simplifies ordering takeout with new delivery service

Bianca Gibson Food & Beverage

Ask anyone what they want to eat, then watch the sweat drip as they rack their brain for ideas. It's not that we don't like eating, it's that it requires making a quick decision — one that satisfies all involved. No pressure, right?

Is an organic price war on the horizon?

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

Months after its announcement, the Amazon-Whole Foods deal is still making waves. Now, economists say we are on the brink of witnessing a major organic price war. Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc. is not only known for its organic produce but also for the distinctive local offers in each of its branches. Loyal shoppers who believe in clean eating have happily paid more for these services. Even though other grocery chains upped their organic produce sections and at a competitive cost, they found it hard to beat Whole Foods.

Negotiating commercial leases: Is the asking rent too high?

Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield Retail

For many commercial tenants, negotiating a good lease or lease renewal against an experienced agent or landlord can be a challenge. While an entrepreneur focuses on marketing and managing, savvy real estate agents and brokers are specialized salespeople. Their job is to sell tenants on leasing their location at the highest possible rental rate.

Toys R Us hinges its future on augmented reality

Shawn Smajstrla Retail

Toys R Us, the big-box behemoth that long ruled from atop the toys and games mountain, became the latest retail victim of bankruptcy last month. As the company reorganizes, it's hinging a large part of its future on a slice of the future: augmented reality.

Target hits the spot with wage increase

Heather Linderfelt Retail

The Target Corporation announced last week that the company would raise the hourly minimum wage to $11 for all Target team members. The corporation also said they would continue to raise the hourly wage to $15 by the end of 2020.

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