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Consumer Affairs & Relations

  • Report: Amazon’s 1-Click patent runs its course

    A patent that changed how customers make purchases online has expired — and opened up new opportunities for competitors.   The “1-Click” patent filed by Amazon in 1997, expired Tuesday. As a result, any brand can now feature this functionality on their own e-commerce site, according to C-Net.  

  • RPAI: ‘Irma was kind’

    Hurricane Irma packed less of a wallop than originally feared, and shopping centers owners are breathing a sigh of relief.   Retail Properties of America reported that its six Florida properties emerged from the ordeal practically unscathed.  

  • On heels of Equifax incident, retailers cite need for uniform data breach law

    The National Retail Federation is once again making the case for a new federal law on data breach notifications.   Citing the recent breach at the Equifax credit reporting agency, National Retail Federation and other industry associations are telling Congress that any new federal law on data breach notification should apply to all industries that handle consumer data.   

  • Glimcher named CEO of Starwood

    Michael P. Glimcher, who stepped down as the chief executive of WP Glimcher last year, has been named CEO of Starwood Retail Partners. He succeeds Scott Wolstein, who has taken on a new role as senior adviser to the parent company, Starwood Capital Group.  

  • At the World Trade Center Mall, honoring heroes is an everyday thing

    Outside the Oculus, the skeletal edifice that houses the World Trade Center’s transportation hub, thousands gathered this week to honor American heroes who lost their lives there on 9-11. Inside the Oculus, Westfield’s mall has been honoring America’s military heroes ever since it opened a year ago. Before any store opened its doors, Westfield staged a job fair aimed at enlisting veterans to come to work at Ground Zero.  

  • America's most trustworthy brand is...

    Face-to-face human contact is not necessary for a brand to make a strong connection with consumers.   

  • Target pairs associates with digital experts in 'innovation sprint'

    Target Corp. has kicked off a partnership with BCG Digital Ventures to conduct a 14-week “innovation sprint.” For the project, BCG's experts (including designers, engineers and investors) are working side-by-side with five Target associates to develop new growth concepts and ideas. (The associates are middle managers from across Target's various divisions, reported the Star Tribune.)  

  • Nordstrom edging closer to going private

    One of the nation's best-performing department stores retailers may soon be out of the public arena.    Nordstrom family members are close to selecting Leonard Green & Partners to help fund a buyout of their namesake department store, reported CNBC, which cited people familiar with the matter.  

  • Former Winn-Dixie exec takes helm of specialty grocer

    The Fresh Market has ended its search for a new chief executive.   The grocer appointed Larry Appel as the company’s president and CEO, effective immediately. Appel brings nearly 30 years of experience in retail, legal and corporate strategy, and most recently served as CEO of Skeeter Snacks. From 2002 to 2012, he served at Winn-Dixie Stores in a variety of senior leadership roles including COO. Prior to that, he was senior VP of legal at The Home Depot.  

  • Walmart pledges up to $30 million in hurricane relief, Target raises commitment

    Walmart is stepping up its hurricane relief efforts.   The discount giant announced that it will donate up to $10 million in additional support for 2017 hurricane relief efforts in the United States, a move that will bring Walmart’s total commitment to hurricane relief efforts this year to $30 million. This additional support comes on the heels of donations already provided in response to Hurricane Harvey that hit the Gulf region less than three weeks ago.  
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