Consumer Affairs & Relations

Kroger Co. wants to give its employees a voice — and now they have one.   Eager to highlight the accomplishments, milestones, and personal connections made by its associates, Kroger Co. introduced Krogersteries.com, a website dedicated to its employees’ contributions, and the impact they make on the company.   

Rent-A-Center Inc. has taken action to reduce the likelihood that an investor gains unsolicited control of the company.   The nation's largest rent-to-own operator has adopted a stockholder rights plan, or a so-called poison pill, that would become exercisable if a group buys 15% or more of its outstanding shares.  

The way has been cleared for retailers to challenge swipe fees in the coming years.    The Supreme Court on Monday declined to reinstate a class-action lawsuit settlement that would have blocked merchants from challenging Visa and MasterCard over credit card swipe fees.    

The failure of President Trump and the Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act was shocking enough for business owners but it is the road ahead that should give operators some real heartburn.  

Online gaming is taking its toll on GameStop in a big way.   The retailer said that its video game category was weak, particularly in the second half of the year. This challenge, combined with shoppers’ attraction to online gaming, contributed to a total global sales decrease of 13.6% to $3.05 billion for the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2017.   The company earned $208.7 million, in the fourth quarter, compared with profits of $247.8 million for the same period a year ago.  

Home Depot disclosed an ongoing Environmental Protection Agency investigation into its lead safety practices related to its installation services business.   In an SEC filing published on Thursday, Home Depot disclosed an investigation by the EPA's criminal investigation division into its compliance with lead-safe work practices. Home Depot is currently cooperating with the EPA, having previously responded to civil document requests from several EPA regions.  

A combination of sluggish mall traffic, a shaky sporting goods industry, and poorly performing merchandise took a toll on The Finish Line in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2016.  

The chief executive of Citi Trends has resigned after two years on the job.   The value-oriented fashion retailer said that Jason Mazzola has resigned as CEO and director “to pursue another opportunity.” It named retail veteran Bruce Smith, currently Citi Trends COO and CFO, as acting chief executive officer, and Ed Anderson as executive chairman, effective immediately.    

Sears Holding Corp. tried to walk back the uproar it caused early Tuesday morning when the struggling retailer included cautionary language about whether it would be able to continue as a "going concern” in its annual 10-K filing.   

Consumers feel good about some — but not all — retail technologies.    That’s according to a new study by Oracle, Retail 2025, which reveals that consumers are most willing to engage brands with new technology if they feel that they are in control of their experience.