Sam’s Club Is First National Retailer To Use On-Site Wind-Generated Electricity
As part of a company commitment to be supplied 100% by renewable energy, Sam’s Club is the first retailer in the U.S. to install a significant number of micro wind turbines mounted on parking lot light poles to support the energy needs of its Palmdale, Calif., location.
The Palmdale Sam’s Club was selected for the test project among all Walmart-owned properties because of the great wind resources in the area.
The micro wind turbines at the Palmdale Sam’s Club are estimated to provide 76,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually - enough to power more than six average American homes for a year.
Envision Solar Launches Initiative For Quick Service Restaurants
Envision Solar International has launched its Quick Service Restaurant (QSRs) initiative featuring Solar Groves® solar parking arrays and CleanCharge™ solar charging stations for parking lots. CleanCharge is the first initiative to bring shade, clean solar energy and electric vehicle charging stations to QSR parking lots.
The Envision Solar CleanCharge vehicle charging system provides restaurants with a Solar Grove, - an array of Solar Trees® - equipped with an electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle charging station. The Solar Trees provide shade for diners' vehicles, while simultaneously allowing the restaurant to offset some of its energy usage through the grid-connected solar system. The CleanCharge solar-to-electric vehicle charging station also allows customers to recharge plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles while they dine.
Latitude 30 & Wireless Grids Create Hi-Tech Restaurant & Entertainment Facility
Latitude 30 has formed a joint venture with Wireless Grids Corp. in creating the world’s first wireless grid-enabled entertainment and dining facility. Latitude 30 will integrate a wireless matrix that will interact with its customers’ mobile phones, smart phones, PDA’s, digital cameras, laptop computers, or any wireless device.
As people enter Latitude 30, they will have the opportunity to join the Wireless Matrix and take part of the Social Media Xperience. Once a person joins the Wireless Matrix he or she will have specialized access to Latitude 30’s multiple dining and entertainment venues such as: VIP access to live events, preferred seating in the restaurant, special pricing on food, drinks, bowling, and the dinner cinema. They will also have the ability to interact with others that are part of the matrix.
Orange County Choppers Roadhouse Set To Open In NY
Advent Entertainment has acquired rights to develop, own and operate Orange County Choppers Roadhouse, a full-service restaurant, microbrewery, gaming, hospitality, retail and entertainment experience, based on the popular Orange County Choppers brand. Orange County Choppers has garnered worldwide acclaim for its custom-built motorcycles and hit reality television show “American Chopper” on TLC.
The first Orange County Choppers Roadhouse will open in Newburgh, New York, home to Orange County Choppers’ headquarters, custom motorcycle shop and motorcycle showroom. The 8,500 sq. ft. flagship Orange County Choppers Roadhouse, designed by CORE architecture + design in Washington, D.C., will include a casual restaurant featuring authentic American-style comfort food, spectacular center bar and keg room with 165 beers on tap, live music venue and the “Chop Shop,” its retail store.
PUMA Launches Sustainability Program
PUMA has introduced a cutting-edge sustainable packaging and distribution system developed by renowned industrial designer Yves Behar, setting new standards within the Sportlifestyle retail industry. The new solution will significantly reduce the amount of waste and CO2 emissions that traditional product packaging such as shoe-boxes and apparel polyethylene bags generate and underpins PUMA’s target of reducing carbon, energy, water, and waste by 25%, and developing 50% of its international product collections in footwear, apparel and accessories according to best practice sustainability standards by 2015.
Target Launches Recycling Stations In All Stores
Target has launched permanent community recycling stations in all 1,740 stores. Located at the front of each store, the recycling stations offer guests a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges.
“We know that eco-friendly living is top-of-mind for our guests, and the launch of store recycling stations allows us to continue to partner with them to curb unnecessary waste in our stores and our communities,” said Shawn Gensch, VP, Brand Marketing, Target. “Target is committed to the preservation of the environment and to giving our guests eco-friendly options that will help them live more sustainably.”
Target has also launched an eco-boutique featuring eco-minded brands with products such as non-toxic cleaners, energy-saving appliances and products made of recycled materials.
Barbara’s Way Partners With Stanley Too
Home improvement expert, Barbara Kavovit is expanding her Barbara’s Way brand by partnering with Stanley to produce high-quality, affordable tools designed for women. Through the Stanley licensing partnership, products will first roll out into all Walmart stores.
The new Stanley Barbara’s Way assortment includes storage organization products and 20+ hand tools as well as storage boxes, multi-compartment organizers, and soft storage bags.
Barbara Kavovit, said, “To help satisfy the demand of an underserved category for women in the home improvement sector is very gratifying. Now women can feel even more comfortable by using my products to improve their home.”
Ace Hardware To Sell Craftsman Tools
The Craftsman tool brand will now be sold through Ace Hardware stores. Ace stores will be able to sell the Craftsman brand including hand tools, portable power tools, compressors, wet/dry vacs and tool storage.
“This alliance will reinforce Ace stores as a premium destination for customers shopping for tools and other quality core hardware products,” said Ray Griffith, Ace President & CEO. “Bringing the nationally-trusted Craftsman brand to the aisles of the most helpful hardware stores in America will benefit both our retailers and customers.”
“This expands access to Craftsman for existing and new customers,” said Bruce Johnson, President, Sears Holdings. “Offering an assortment of Craftsman products more broadly through Ace locations will strengthen the Craftsman brand.”
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