Category: Connexus Magazine

 

“If you don’t innovate, you die.” 

– Gary Vaynerchuk

 

April 30, 2023…  

PRSM’s National Conference in 2023 just shattered attendance records. PRSM’s keynote speaker, newly elected President of the United States, Mel Robbins, knocked it out of the park. President Robbins recounted her PRSM2019 keynote, which was the springboard for her unlikely election (on a platform of “We Told You So: Bricks-and-Mortar Retail Will Always Rock”). As usual, Robbins brought the room to its feet. After the live event, PRSM2023—on-demand engagement of PRSM content—reached all-time highs. 

 

The Road to PRSM2023 was paved with:   

Focus. Internally, PRSM is undertaking a “cultural evolution” that emphasizes improved technology and member engagement to better anticipate, identify and respond to industry trends. PRSM is prioritizing efforts to focus on those issues most important to the membership.

On Demand. Externally, PRSM is examining its market position, staff structure and headquarters location to best serve a membership that spans North America. Wherever and however PRSM does business, our mantra is becoming “on demand.” PRSM will be where our members are and deliver in ways our members demand.

Growing. Overall, PRSM must commit to grow. Most PRSM members are in Southern California, Greater New York City and Dallas, Texas. PRSM2023 includes a permanent association presence in those metro areas. PRSM events will also be tailored to these local markets. While the PRSM National Conference will remain the linchpin of our event lineup, PRSM will be local, on demand and in those markets where our members do the most business.

 

PRSM in 2019

Now that you have seen the future, what’s great about 2019? Well, in April, we will welcome Mel Robbins to PRSM2019 Conference at the Gaylord Rockies. She will tee up our National Conference, where attendees will access PRSM’s top-notch networking and world-class FM education sessions. PRSM2019 will feature education tracks focused on:

Mixed Use and the Retail Renaissance

Medical Retail

Building Executive Presence (Young Professional)

Navigating Federal Tax Laws Impacting Small Business Owners

 

PRSM: NYC and PRSM: SoCal

If you are a PRSM member located in Greater New York City or Southern California, PRSM wants to see you in person more often! We will develop quarterly retailer luncheon meetings in these markets as part of the PRSM local effort. Contact me at byanek@prsm.com if you want to be involved in developing these local events.

 

Episodes of the Road S2023

As we continue our journey to 2023, I will update you using monthly video updates. Please take a moment to visit the News Section of prsm.com or follow us on Twitter @PRSMAssociation to view the latest videos and keep up with our progress toward 2023. 

As a facilities management professional, you are responsible for a vast array of facilities issues. As you look around, it makes sense to question why a pond was built behind the property, why some metal doors are on the surface of the parking lot or why the city has sent a letter regarding stormwater.

Chances are your property has one or more types of stormwater controls.

Speaking the language. Until recently, stormwater systems were called “Stormwater BMPs” aka Stormwater Best Management Practices. Today, however, they’re commonly referred to as “SCMs” or Stormwater Control Measures.

What are SCMs? When natural woodland areas are removed, stormwater runoff from rain or snow melt no longer gets absorbed back into the ground or moved along the surface to streams, rivers and other natural receptors. SCMs are designed to protect property, but because underground stormwater sewers convey stormwater quickly, the remaining natural receptors struggle to sustain the plants, biology and structure critical to survival.

The mission of a “SCM.” SCMs capture a site’s impervious surface runoff slowly and release it over time, like a natural woodland and reduce pollutants.

Why Me? Doesn’t it cost money to own and operate a SCM? The answer is yes, and with many different types of SCMs in service today, creating a SCM budget would need to be site-specific. However, studies have shown the annual cost to maintain a SCM averages between three to five percent of construction cost. This cost includes scheduled routine maintenance, inspections and provides a reserve for non-scheduled services.

What’s a good approach to managing SCM’s? If it’s an existing system, proper maintenance should always be a top priority. For new SCM systems, ensure the builder constructs the system correctly. When purchasing or assuming ownership of property that contains a SCM, have an inspection performed by a licensed engineer with experience evaluating SCM systems.

Responsibility vs. Liability. Stormwater almost always ends up feeding into federally controlled waters. This is why SCM requirements were developed. Violations of the Clean Water Act can cost up to $22,500.00 per day. In the past, many SCM’s have not been maintained or even noticed. Today, federal, state and local governments have increased efforts to identify SCM locations and their owners. The goal is ensuring today’s SCMs are maintained and operated according to original design standards. 

All about maintenance. The best management practice is maintenance. Proper maintenance will increase the system’s life to the 20-year minimum and ensure the SCM is operating as designed. It’s not optional. Identifying a company that specializes in and has experience with SCM inspections, maintenance and repairs is always the best approach.

So, what are the ABC’s of SCM’s?
(A)lways maintain your SCM systems. (B)ecause without it, cost of ownership will increase over the life of the system. (C)aring about the environment is what responsible FM professionals do.

Today, more than ever, clients notice the details and improving the environment never goes unnoticed. Remember, clean water is essential to us all!

 Sandy Baker, Watterson & Mike Brown of BMP Environmental

Upgrading to LEDs in parking lots drives big energy savings

Today, most retail facilities managers understand the benefits of indoor LED lights – they use far less electricity than fluorescent bulbs, they don’t produce as much heat, which provides additional energy savings, and their bright, powerful light showcases a retailer’s products.

A growing number of FMs have also discovered it pays to think outside the box regarding LED lights. Using LEDs to illuminate parking lots can lead to substantial energy savings, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced security for customers and employees. 

The results from the Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) campaign illustrate the energy savings possible by using LEDs to light parking lots. The LEEP campaign was a partnership spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) between 2012 and 2018.  It provided free guidance and recognition to organizations for installing high-performance, cost-saving lighting in parking lots and garages. 

During the campaign, LEEP participants upgraded or installed energy-efficiency equipment and/or lighting controls for more than 560 million square feet of parking facilities, representing 1.7 million parking spots, and those investments quickly paid off. In 2017 alone, LEEP participants saved more than 227 million kilowatt-hours and more than $23.6 million in energy costs – enough to power 21,000 homes for one year. 

One of the leading LEEP participants was Walmart, which first installed LEDs in 2012, on a one-year trial basis, in the parking lot of a store located in Rogers, Ark. In addition to energy savings, security guards were able to see the entire parking lot better and could more accurately discern color than with the incumbent high-intensity discharge system. Now, every new Walmart store has LED parking lot lighting, and retrofits are being completed wherever feasible.

Based upon the success of parking lot LEDs Walmart quickly installed the lights at 100 new and retrofitted stores, covering 40 million square feet of parking lots and more than 100,000 parking spaces. The company is saving more than 15 million kWh each year as a result of lighting upgrades, according to a DOE case study.

John Davidson, Senior Manager for System Designs at Walmart, said the impetus for the conversion to LED lighting began in the company’s international market, which prompted the launch of a sustainability initiative in the United States. 

Walmart also was seeking to address the persistent problem of crime in its parking lots since retail stores are responsible for customer and employee safety while on store grounds. 

 “We’ve been able to realize approximately 80 percent energy savings over the HID alternative and enjoy a reduced maintenance program, in addition to the enhanced visibility,” Davidson said. 

Other LEEP participants enjoyed similar energy savings. At a T.J.Maxx in Manchester, N.H., 28 high-pressure sodium lights and six metal halide lights, each 400 watts, were replaced with 25 LED lights, each controlled by an integral occupancy sensor that switches from low to high light output depending on whether movement is detected in the parking lot. 

The store experienced a 58 percent reduction in energy usage and recouped its investment in the upgrades in three years, partially due to the high local electricity rate of 14 cents per kWh. At the lower national average rate of 10.4 cents per kWh, the payback would have taken five years.  

Similarly, a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, switched from 1,000-watt metal halide lights to 309-watt LEDs and saved 69 percent on energy costs while noticing more uniform light distribution in the parking lot and better security. 

These energy savings are typical for chains that install LED lights in parking lots. According to LEEP campaign statistics, participants were enjoying energy savings of up to 70 percent and a reduction in maintenance costs of up to 90 percent because the LED lights can last two to five times longer than traditional outdoor lights. Those statistics have many retailers looking to upgrade. According to the Department of Energy’s 2015 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization, 23 percent of outdoor commercial spaces were using LED lights in 2015, up from only 8 percent in 2010.

By: Nick Fortuna

Create visually appealing outdoor areas without breaking the bank

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” When it comes to retail, the vast majority of shoppers ignore this old adage. Ninety-five percent of consumers said a store’s external appearance influences their decision on where to shop, according to an Omnibus survey. In other words, curb appeal is key to a retailer’s success.

“There is a saying in the retail industry that ‘your store is your brand,’ meaning the condition of the physical environment of a retail location delivers a strong brand message to the consumer,” said Mike Popadak Co-Founder & CEO of iVueit, a site auditing platform for landscaping contractors and their clients. “The appearance and condition of a retail location’s exterior landscaping, including irrigation, parking lots, signage and lighting, play an important role in delivering a positive brand experience.”

Missy Henriksen, Vice President of Public Affairs with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), reflected this sentiment. “Not only does a well-maintained landscape provide aesthetic beauty for retail employees and customers, but it can also add 15 to 20 percent to a retail property’s overall value,” she emphasized. “Poorly shaped trees, overgrown shrubs and weeds can detract from a property’s overall appearance and ultimately turn customers away.”

Lara Parker, Regional Property Manager of the Southeast Region with DLC Management Corp., added that landscaping is much more than aesthetics for retail centers. “Landscaping not only enhances the customer’s experience, but serves as a protection from storm water runoff, controls erosion, and in certain locations controls temperature extremes.”

Tap Into Tech

When you think about flowers and shrubs, technology probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, the latest tech tools can enable retailers to improve landscaping, boost sustainability and reduce overall costs.

“Technology and readily available resources have drastically changed this industry,” Parker said. “Landlords no longer have to rely on contractors for information regarding landscaping material and local government regulations or to research other centers’ landscaping choices.” Cutting-edge apps provide landlords the ability to visualize and make direct changes to landscaping projects.

“We know the challenges facilities managers and their landscaping service partners face to reduce costs, maintain best practices and improve sustainability across thousands of properties,” Popadak said. “Unfortunately, thousands of dollars and hours are spent on site visits attempting to amass  photographic records of all landscaping and exterior projects. The results are incomplete, costly and delivered too late to provide real insights and meaningful decision support.”

This is where modern technology can help. “There is technology available that enables retail facilities managers and service providers to efficiently verify the status of hundreds of projects nationwide,” he said. For example, crowdsourcing services like iVueit deploy an independent crowd of local consumers, armed with a smartphone, an app and a task list, to deliver real-time photographic verification of a property’s exterior status with the click of a button.

“These services enable property managers to ‘see’ hundreds of locations simultaneously without leaving their office,” he added. “And service providers can improve compliance with their Service Level Agreements, which require photographic verification of all work performed.”

Pick the Perfect Plants

When it comes to creating a stunning yet sustainable retail landscape, it’s important to select the right plants.

“Appropriate design is essential when designing a landscape that is cost effective, functional and sustainable,” said Mark Tomko, President of Metco Landscape, LLC in Aurora, Colo., a member of the NALP. “Select the right plants for the right place and climate. Plants that are not adapted to local environment require more resources such as more water, soil and fertilization.”

Landscaping is all about location, location, location. “One size does not fit all when it comes to landscaping,” Parker said. “Tenants, customers, environmental challenges (such as climate, flood prone zones, heavy foot traffic, no irrigation, etc.) and local ordinances play an integral role in cost.” If you want to reduce overall cost while maintaining visual appeal, it’s critical to have a working knowledge and understanding of each property’s needs.

Avoid Water Waste

If you want to slash landscaping costs, keep water usage in check. “Eliminate the need for water wherever possible,” Tomko suggested. “Proper irrigation maintenance is crucial.”

Water use can be reduced by eliminating broken sprinkler heads and leaking lines, he explained. “Ensure proper zone coverage and head placement, and periodically inspect the irrigation system, preferably weekly.”

Survey Says…

Popadak also suggests retailers create customer surveys about landscaping at store locations. “In addition to providing photographic verification, crowdsourcing services enable retail facilities managers to quickly collect qualitative and quantitative information, in the form of short surveys, about the landscaping for a specific location,” he said. “This is a great perk and inexpensive way to get the customer’s point-of-view about your brand from a landscaping perspective.”

By: Amy Bell

At the end of PRSM Mid-Year Conference, the PRSM Foundation had more than 40 volunteers step up to help transform the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, while others teed off to raise money for the newly minted 501(c)(3) Foundation.

The Virginia G. Piper Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale provides a safe, affordable place during critical non-school hours and during school breaks. Their professionally trained staff teach students positive values, healthy habits and how to set high expectations for success as an adult. 

PRSM volunteers painted hallways in the 4,500-square-foot facility and a local Lowe’s donated a new kitchen stove for the center. 

“I would like to thank the PRSM Foundation for painting our facility. It definitely makes an impact on how the kids feel when they walk in. It doesn’t look like a hospital anymore! They have a new sense of place when they enter the building. The kids love it! It shows them people really do care about them and there is lots of love out there,” said Cathy Cabezas, Virginia G. Piper Branch Director. 

While the PRSM Impact volunteers were hard at work, other PRSM members were teeing off to raise money for the Foundation at the first PRSM Foundation Golf Classic held at the Westin Kierland golf course. 

“On behalf of the PRSM Foundation, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the volunteers, golfers and especially to the sponsors who made these events a success. The Foundation is just getting off the ground and it is exciting to see what has already been done and what we have planned for the future,” said Bill Ackerman, PRSM Foundation Chair and National Sales Executive, Vixxo Sign & Lighting. 

The Foundation has received its 501(c)(3) status from the IRS and is planning for the PRSM2019 National Conference. At the conference, the PRSM Impact Charity project team will work on The Family Motel, a facility that works with the Denver Department of Human Services to provide housing for families in need. 

The Foundation is also planning a golf event at the Top Golf facility located near the Gaylord Conference Center where PRSM2019 National Conference will take place. λ 

Charity Project Hat Sponsor and Host – Vixxo

In-Kind Donors – National Coating Solutions,
Sherwin Williams, Superclean Service Company, Lowes

Golf sponsors:

Silver Sponsor – CBRE-Facility Source

Hole sponsors: CBRE-Facility Source

Branded Group

Commercial Fire

Fexa

Grounds Control

Global Facility Management & Construction

Major Facility Solutions

Onsite, Inc.

QSI Facilities

S.A. Comunale Company

Triangle Sign & Service

Sign Services

Veterans Worldwide Maintenance

By: Bruce Condit, PRSM Association 

PRSM members welcomed Dick Vitale to center court during the PRSM Mid-Year Conference with thunderous applause and he did not disappoint. The legendary NCAA basketball coach and award-winning ESPN sportscaster did not waste a minute getting to the point. 

“You can do anything you want to do! You can overcome anything if you believe you can and, surround yourself with people who want to win!” Vitale stated emphatically. He illustrated his inspiring message through dozens of personal examples.

“When I was growing up, I watched my mom and dad. They were my examples,” he continued. “My dad worked pressing coats. He got paid based upon how many coats he could press in a day. He and my mom never missed a day at work. They were always there doing what they had to do to provide for the family. However, we were always told we could do anything we wanted to do if we just worked hard enough.”

That extreme work ethic carried over into Dick’s coaching career, where he started coaching in an elementary school, but quickly worked his way up to high school where he coached his team to 35 victories and two consecutive state championships. This led to him being hired by Rutgers University and ultimately an NCAA Championship in 1977.

“I’m living the American dream!” Vitale told the audience. “I learned from my mom and dad, who didn’t have a formal education, but had doctorates in love. They told me if you give 110 percent all the time a lot of beautiful things will happen.”

Vitale told the story of his once driver, who never believed he would excel in life. “I told him – believe in yourself and give it 110 percent and you’ll see some amazing things happen.” Several years later, that driver became the CEO of ESPN and was the person who negotiated Vitale’s contract to become an announcer on that network. “Never give up – never stop believing! That is the key!” he reminded listeners.

When he was coaching the University of Detroit and preparing his team to play Michigan, he told them, “When you walk out of this locker room I want you to shake my hand and tell me – tonight we are going to shock the nation!” That night, they won!

Vitale closed by reminding everyone that winning is important, but it is not everything in life. Vitale serves on the V-Foundation, dedicated to fighting children’s cancer. “Cancer is a terrible disease,” Vitale said. “These kids are tough. They’re tougher than I am, but they need our help. Please help if you can.”

Attendees left the room inspired by a sports legend to not only excel at work, but also at home, and in the way they help those who are not as fortunate. As only Vitale could say it – “If you want to win – put it all on the line baby!”

Emerging trends and new laws drive retail parking to the next level

When you’re thinking outside the “big box,” one of the most important things to consider is your parking lot. After all, if your customers don’t have access to safe and convenient parking, they may decide to skip your store altogether.

“Historically, there were three primary reasons retailers cared about their parking lots: safety, aesthetics and asset preservation,” said BJ Schlageter, Director of National Accounts with Rose Paving, a national paving company headquartered in Bridgeview, Ill.

However, when it comes to modern day parking lots, there’s much more for retailers to contemplate. “Believe it or not, online trends actually affect parking lots as well,” Schlageter emphasized. “Retailers are hypersensitive about creating an impactful customer experience, and it all starts with the moment they step foot on the parking lot.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, if online sales continue to grow at the current rate (almost 10 percent per year), online purchases will account for nearly 20 percent of total retail market share in 2025, more than 30 percent in 2030 and approximately half by 2035.

In an effort to curb this trend, brick-and-mortar retailers are working hard to create an enjoyable, stress-free shopping experience for in-store customers. And where does every retail shopper’s experience begin? You guessed it – the parking lot. This is why it’s critical for retailers to stay on top of the latest and greatest parking trends and carefully choose parking lot suppliers.

ADA Laws & Curbside Pickup

Schlageter said some of the most notable trends in today’s parking lots revolve around re-designing parking lots to comply with ADA laws. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA National Network website, “New construction projects must meet minimum standards with very few exceptions.” When a business restripes a parking lot, it must provide accessible parking spaces as required by the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

According to Schlageter, online order pickups are also playing a role reshaping parking lots. “Brick-and-mortar retail is very important for customers, but there is more pressure on retailers to create a positive experience because customers have so many other options,” he explained. This is why an increasing number of brick-and-mortar stores are offering same-day pickup of online orders.

According to a 2017 Nielsen study, home delivery is the most common option for online shoppers, with 87 percent of orders shipped to the customer’s house. However, pickup options are on the rise. In 2017, 8 percent of online orders were fulfilled via in-store pickup, and 4 percent by curbside pick-up. In another study, Retail Systems Research and SPS Commerce reports that 61 percent of retailers worldwide now offer some kind of buy-online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) service. As this option becomes increasingly popular, many retailers are looking to create convenient curbside pickup areas in their parking lots.

Selecting a Stellar Supplier

As ADA laws become more stringent and curbside pickup continues to skyrocket in popularity, retail parking lots are undergoing a major transformation. In this evolving environment, it’s critical for retailers to carefully select parking lot suppliers.

He says it’s crucial for retailers to ask the right questions up front. Inquire about the company history, number of employees, in-house crew capabilities, subcontractor resources, recent projects, current backlog and customer referrals. “Once the customer can match their goals with the best contractor profile, it then comes down to the relationship,” Schlageter added. “Finding the right contact can make all the difference.” 

By: Amy Bell

Faster, Mobile, New Communities

Technology is a large part of the PRSM 2023 strategic plan, and what better place to start than the website? Shortly after PRSM2018 National Conference convened, the process of redesigning prsm.com to a more member-friendly tool, began. The website’s ultimate goal is to be an intersection for varying member needs, including but not limited to: mobile responsiveness, educational resources, networking, and industry news.

Whether members are at their desk or on-the-go traveling, accessing the website is now easier than ever. Mobile responsiveness allows users to switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile while finding members in the online directory, reading the latest Benchmarking report, or getting involved in a PRSM Community discussion.

The improved search function on the website and the PRSM Community enables members to search by keyword, author/presenter, or company. Whether you use a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, searching for any topic now provides the same consistent information.

Top searches include: HVAC, Doors, Roof, P&L, SLA, Lighting-Energy Savings, and 2018 Retailer Return on Investment (ROI)

Directly from the homepage, members can easily use the top navigation bar to select certain content, use the search tool, or scroll down the page for quick access to the latest events, education, resources, or news. The enhanced scroll feature is broken out into these main topic areas and enables members to quickly find webinars, conference video sessions, benchmarking reports, tools, templates and more.

PRSM Community has replaced the old X-Change as the place for members to connect, ask questions, discuss relevant topics, and share information. Community types have been expanded to include an open forum, where regardless of member type, you can talk to each other, and ask or answer questions.

Communities for PRSM committees, retailers, suppliers, and special interest groups will remain private. New features in the PRSM Community include event listings, blogs, and shared files. Blogs can be authored and posted by PRSM Staff or members. Shared files and all website content will be easily searchable.

A new, single sign-on for the member database and website, makes all of these tools and resources readily available. The online member directory will be consistent, regardless of where members search and include the most up-to-date information.  To ensure PRSM has your latest information, don’t forget to log in and update your member preferences!

Retailers are used to seeing customers pressed for time and intent on getting into and out of their stores as quickly as possible, even if it means breaking a sweat. But Jacy Everett envisions a time in the not-too-distant future when many customers will be quite happy to browse a while. To these customers, what’s in the parking lot might be almost as important as what’s on your shelves.

Everett, Director of Business Development for Aetna Corp., said retail stores that devote a small percentage of parking spaces to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will have an edge over competitors as EVs become increasingly popular. In September, EV manufacturers hit a significant milestone when the number of EVs sold worldwide hit four million, according to Bloomberg News. The rate of adoption is accelerating quickly.

About one million EVs were sold during the six-month period that ended in August, and the International Energy Agency expects there to be 125 million EVs on the road by 2030. In May, a survey by the American Automobile Association found 20 percent of Americans planned to make an EV their next vehicle purchase, up from 15 percent in 2017.

The AAA survey found consumers’ two main concerns about EVs are “range anxiety” – the fear that they will run out of battery power on the road and be stranded – and a dearth of available charging stations. But with battery technology improving and charging infrastructure expanding, those issues are becoming less worrisome to consumers, especially millennials, who are more likely to be environmentally conscious.

“Today, electric vehicles have mainstream appeal,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s Director Of Automotive Engineering. “While concern for the environment is still a major motivator, AAA found U.S. drivers are also attracted to the lower long-term costs and advanced technology features many of these vehicles offer.”

Level 1 charging stations, which typically take eight to 12 hours to charge a fully depleted battery, are common in homes. Level 3 stations, the most expensive option, are commonly referred to as DC fast-charging stations and can give most EVs an 80 percent charge in half an hour or less, making them ideal for placement on major corridors to facilitate long-distance traveling. For retailers, the sweet spot is right in the middle with Level 2 stations, which can charge a depleted battery in four to six hours.

“I think many people would be surprised at the number of electric vehicles already on the road and the number of charging stations out there,” said Everett, whose company recently began installing and maintaining charging stations for retail stores. “As the prices continue to come down and battery technology improves, you’re going to see a lot more people buying electric vehicles.”

Everett recommended retailers with ample parking space earmark 5 to 10 percent of their spaces to charging stations to prepare for widespread adoption of EVs. Retailers can structure this amenity as they see fit and can change it on the fly because most charging stations have a wireless connection to the Internet.

Some retailers might want to allow free, unlimited charging, while others might want to attach a small fee to the service. Others might want to make charging free for only the first hour or so to prevent abuse. Retailers can choose to provide free charging to employees as a workplace benefit or offer them a discounted rate.

Everett said one retailer discovered that a resident living nearby was using its charging station for long periods late at night, so the store made the charging station free to use only during store hours and began charging for it after closing time. He said in the near future, retailers will be able to link the charging stations to customer rewards cards to encourage use.

EV charging stations make sense for a wide variety of retailers but are especially attractive for stores where customers typically spend a good deal of time, such as big-box retailers, gyms, movie theaters, malls, grocery stores and restaurants.

“If you have charging stations at your location, people are going to find them, and that really gives that retailer an advantage,” Everett said. “The typical EV driver has a higher income than the average consumer, so if you want to attract these customers and you have a charging station and your competitor doesn’t, you can potentially influence that person to come to your site because you have that amenity.”

Electrify America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, plans to invest $2 billion to create a nationwide network of charging stations by 2027, with $800 million devoted to locations in California, traditionally a leader in the environmental movement.

In April, the company announced plans to install DC fast-charging stations at more than 100 Walmart stores in 34 states by June 2019. Electrify America also has installed charging stations at retail locations for Target, Simon Property Group, Brixmor Property Group, Kimco Realty Corp. and DDR Corp. The company installs and maintains charging stations, with a minimum build of three parking spaces, at no cost to retailers through site-use agreements.

“The premise is to provide customers with convenient, well-lit charging stations at a wide range of retail locations,” said Brendan Jones, COO at Electrify America. “The number of EVs hitting the market is going to increase exponentially, and these EVs, which are coming from a wide variety of manufacturers, are going to have longer-range batteries and faster charge times.” 

By: Nick Fortuna

Signage offers retailers an opportunity to provide a unique customer experience, explained Tim Smith, Director of Business Development for Federal Heath. While signage used to play a utilitarian role by identifying the store by name on the exterior and identifying different departments, sales items and specialty areas within the store, it serves a more critical role today. “Now, the building itself is a sign, with architectural features such as canopies and awnings that tie into the overall brand,” he said.

Retailers are moving toward more digital signage on the building exterior as well, Smith pointed out. The resolution of today’s digital signs allows for more complex graphics than signs introduced 10 years ago, which means that investment in upgrades to these signs is a budget item FMs must consider, he suggested.

One of the emerging trends in signage is projector technology. Not only can a projector display an image on different surfaces, but projector mapping enables the display of multiple images that add different dimensions to the message.

Digital signage inside a store is a trend that will continue, said Shannon Markwell, Manager of Retail Facilities and Maintenance for Charlotte Russe. “Digital screens throughout the store or in store windows can share simple, specific messages that can be easily changed to reflect sales or new merchandise,” she said. “Videos that show how products can be used – such as how to put a fun outfit together – can help shoppers make decisions.”

The practical side of interactive digital screens throughout the store includes the ability to go online and order an item that may not be available in the store, which means the retailer does not lose the sale. Another benefit is the ability to quickly change messages and content, Markwell said. “We are a fast-fashion company, which means we need to change messages frequently to reflect fast-changing trends.”

Not only does the up-to-date visual experience support sales, but the technology eliminates the cost of designing, printing and shipping promotional signage as well as the labor to hang marketing signage throughout stores for promotions, sales and seasonal changes. “Although investment in digital signage throughout a store is significant, the return on investment is huge,” Markwell said.

Another cost savings generated by digital signage is energy savings, Smith pointed out. The use of LED lights along with timers and sensors that dim or turn off signage when no one is in the area contribute to overall energy savings.

Digital signage maintenance is most often managed by third-party partners but retailers with multiple locations can justify internal teams to manage the specialized installation and maintenance of interior digital screens. “One client who installed 10 to 12 screens in each of the company’s 600 convenience store locations set up and trained an internal team to install and maintain the screens,” he said.

No matter which maintenance approach is chosen, the move to digital signage is another example of how today’s FMs must expand their skill sets, Markwell said. “Educating ourselves and choosing the right vendor allows us to better support our store teams.”

By: Sheryl S. Jackson