How Retailers Can Make the Best of a Slowdown
from Forbes
These downturn dynamics--declining sales followed by a sluggish recovery period--mean retailers should move quickly to minimize performance deterioration. The challenge, of course, is that retailers have a large number of options to sort through, ranging from cutting costs by shutting stores or restructuring support functions, to increasing revenue by refreshing stores or overhauling promotions. More

AT&T, Constellation Wines, Gap to Each Host 1- to 1.2-MW Solar Power Systems
from Greener Buildings
Gap Inc. has unveiled a 1-megawatt solar power system, and Constellation Wines U.S. and AT&T are each working with strategic partnerships of their own to host comparably large systems that will harness the power of the sun. More

Financial Crisis Moves from Wall Street to the Mall
from The Associated Press
Alarmed by the financial meltdown, stores nationwide are slapping sale signs on everything from fall sweaters to furniture — frantically trying to attract shoppers who are cutting back. Some analysts were already expecting the weakest sales growth for the holiday season in 24 years, and with uncertainty roiling the banking system and a teetering economy, they figure Americans will make their lists and check them three or four times. More

Growth at Casual Dining Chains Hit by Credit Woes
from Reuters
While the U.S. economy was booming, casual dining became a frequent indulgence for consumers. But with the country mired in its greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression, many have changed their habits to eat at less expensive restaurants or prepare more of their own meals. More

Transforming Empty Wall Space into Memorable Advertising Displays
from Earthtimes
Inwindow Outdoor, the leader in storefront-based outdoor advertising, announced today the formal launch of its shopping mall initiative, called Mallways™, where the company will transform vacant retail and empty wall space inside malls into eye-catching advertising displays. As an initial step, Inwindow has inked partnerships with prestigious shopping center developers Westfield Group, General Growth Properties and Developers Diversified Realty to manage displays at over 200 of their most desirable locations across the United States. More

Supreme Court Seeks Consultation on Food Labeling Law
from The Los Angeles Times
The U.S. Supreme Court asked the Justice Department on Monday for advice on a bid by the nation's largest grocery chains to block customers from suing over violations of government food-labeling rules. Supermarkets led by Supervalu Inc., Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co. contend that only government regulators, and not customers, can enforce federal and state labeling laws. More

Wal-Mart: Shoppers Sticking to Necessities
from CNN Money
Wal-Mart Stores reported that sales in September were at the low-end of its own forecast as its mostly paycheck-to-paycheck customers continued to pull back on discretionary purchases other than clothing and groceries. Wal-Mart said gains were led by grocery and clothing purchases, and that other discretionary purchases were soft. More

Helping Restaurants See Through the FOG
from Greener Buildings
With rising biofuel production and growing demand for fryer grease, collectors who once charged restaurants to haul away grease are now often paying for it. But the fats, oils and greases, or FOG, that still get into drains are causing eateries and facility managers major headaches. Now that may be changing, too. More

GameStop Buys French Video Game Retailer
from The Dallas Morning News
GameStop said recently that it has purchased French video game retail chain Micromania for $700 million in cash. With Micromania's 332 stores in France, GameStop will have about 1,100 locations in Europe and just under 6,000 worldwide. GameStop has been making a concerted effort to expand outside the U.S. More

Sales Up at Mall of America
from The Associated Press via the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Despite the gloomy economy, things are looking bright at the Mall of America. Mall of America public relations director Dan Jasper says the mall is "recession-resistant" because its customers come not only from the Twin Cities, Minnesota or the Upper Midwest, but from all over the country. More

Upscale Grocers Thrive in Down Times
from The Detroit News
Despite the region's dismal economy, upscale grocers are flourishing in Metro Detroit, expanding and adding stores to serve a sophisticated and growing customer base that wants organic produce, natural and international foods, gourmet carry-outs and a glass of wine or a Sanders' hot fudge cream puff while they're shopping. More