A new study released by Consumer Reports suggests that retailers could benefit from the installation of EV chargers at their locations. Currently, only 1 percent of retailers across the U.S. offer EV charging stations but they could offer benefits through government incentives that may offset installation costs, reports NBC WFMJ.
The study analyzed roughly 270,000 store locations across the retail industry, from grocery to drugstores to departments stores and more: According to the findings, one out of every 14 big box stores offer EV charging stations; one out of every 40 department stores; and one out of every 15 grocery stores.
IKEA was found to be the only retailer who had charging stations at nearly all of its U.S. locations. In terms of convenience stores, Wawa and Sheetz are leading the charge with more than 10 percent of their locations offering EV charging stations.
Consumer Reports Sustainability Campaign Manager Drew Toher says, “Companies can attract more shoppers, elevate their brand and leverage federal incentives while consumers benefit from the convenience of integrating EV charging into their routine stops.”
Consumer Reports urges retailers to:
- Educate consumers and your employees regarding EV charging
- Be open about which of your locations offers EV charging
- Follow through on timelines when installing EV equipment
- Don’t exclude low-income neighborhoods or communities when it comes to installing EV equipment
- Properly maintain existing chargers
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
