KAUFMAN'S COMMENTARY: HERE'S WHAT I THINK...
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Each issue, editor Steve Kaufman offers his perspective on one of this week's newsworthy headlines.
Sacked
Whole Foods makes the "paper or plastic" decision: no more plastic bags
1-23-2008
The "paper or plastic" question always threw me. Sure, intuitively, plastic seems the wrong environmental choice. But doesn't paper require cutting down our precious trees?
Whole Foods, one of retailing's green heroes -- it won't sell lobster that has been raised in an unmerciful manner -- argues disposable plastic shopping bags are worse for the environment because they're made from petroleum, are typically tossed after one use, fill landfills and float into trees, rooftops, roadways and oceans. They clog waterways (endangering wildlife) and litter our roadsides.
So the retailer has immediately ended the use of plastic in its stores. It is the self-declared first U.S. supermarket to commit to completely eliminating disposable plastic grocery bags to help protect the environment and conserve resources. It will be thoroughly plastic bag-free by Earth Day (April 22).
Still undecided whenever you're asked the "paper or plastic" question? At least you'll never be asked that again at Whole Foods. Read more...
—Steve Kaufman, VM+SD Editor
What do you think? Click here to weigh in.
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RETAIL SPOTLIGHT
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A Visual Feast
A Look at 2007's Holiday Windows
To this industry, discovering retailers' holiday windows is as exciting as unwrapping that box under the tree on Christmas Day. In 2007, this bounty of visual treats spanned the spectrum, from Bloomingdale's "Gifted" to Hudson Bay Co.'s exploration of the symbols of Santa Claus around the world. Feast your eyes on some of the best in holiday displays from around the world.
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Every week, we'll pose a thought-provoking question related to working in the retail and design fields. This week's question:
Wal-Mart is good for the American economy. That's the conclusion of a new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, which says that the retail behemoth's low prices benefit everyone, bring more choice to consumers and add jobs to local communities.
But critics still love to hate the world's largest retailer, for everything from its employment practices to saying its environmentally designed stores are a great self-promotion effort in greenwashing.
Do you agree that Wal-Mart is good? Can we thank the company for awakening the industry and keeping retailers on its toes? Or does Wal-Mart's no-frills store environment drag down the state of the industry?
Join the discussion
WEEKLY NEWS RECAP
SPECIALTY RETAILING
Crew Chief Leaves
Jeffrey Pfeifle retires unexpectedly
Urban Outfitters Goes Gardening
Retailer acquires Philadelphia-area nursery with intention to launch a new brand
American Eagle to Launch Children's Line
77kids will debut online only; stores expected by 2009
FOOD RETAIL/RESTAURANTS
Sacked
Whole Foods makes the "paper or plastic" decision: no more plastic bags
DEPARTMENT STORES
A Tesco Department Store
British food retailing giant will experiment with a multi-level concept selling appliances, home goods
Sears to Restructure
Retailer will set up independent units to run each of its business lines
DISCOUNT
New Off 5th is On
Saks to unveil luxury concept for its value chain in Orlando in April
Wal-Mart Plans to Invade Russia
Retailer thinks it can have a presence there in 12-24 months
Wal-Mart Improves Energy-Reduction
Announces new generation of high-efficiency stores; first will open this month in Illinois
DRUG/BEAUTY
Drugs Come Back to Times Square
Walgreen to return to New York intersection after more than 30 years; also acquires stores in Puerto Rico
JEWELRY
Tiffany to Expand in Japan
Jewelry retailer announces two new Tokyo boutiques
Diamonds in the Rough
Zale to close 60 stores this quarter, dozens more this year
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Now Running Circuit City's Stores
Consumer electronics retailer hires new executive operating chief with A&P, Toys "R" Us background
SPORTING GOODS
Switch at Dick's
President/chief operating officer to assume new duties at sporting goods retailer
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS
Changes, Honors at ISP
Store planners association takes new name and inducts three more designers into its Legion of Honor
Read more news recaps.
INDUSTRY NEWS
For the Week of January 21st
Callison Hires Tom Bahn as Chief Operating Officer; JGA Promotes VP; Lutron Wins Award
NOTEWORTHY NEW PRODUCTS
"Glass Flooring"
Artwork in Architectural Glass
"Woodnotes"
Coast Paper Yarn
JOB OF THE WEEK
VM+SD's free job board features regular updates on industry jobs and freelance openings. Here's the latest posting:
District Visual Managers
Nike Factory Stores
COMPETITIONS
Call for Entries: VM+SD Retail Renovation Competition
Deadline is March 26, 2008
Looking for the Best Visual
Enter VM+SD's 15th annual International Visual Competition
COMING UP IN VM+SD MAGAZINE
February:
- Top of the List: Check out winners of the 37th annual ISP/VM+SD International Store Design Competition, including this year's Store of the Year.
- Inspiring Windows: VM+SD's annual holiday window review takes you around the world to see what themes and holiday treats delighted shoppers this past holiday season. Don't miss Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Walt Disney World, Harrods, Holt Renfrew and more.
- What's Hot in Europe? John Ryan, VM+SD's European editor, reports on what retailers are making a splash across Europe, including Desigual and Fortnum & Mason in London; BHV in Paris; and Interspar's hypermarket in Austria.
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