Consumer Affairs & Relations

Toys“R”Us is adding some communications expertise from Best Buy as the toy retailer announced it has named a new executive vice president.

The retailer said Amy von Walter will join the company as Executive Vice President, Global Communications and Public Relations, effective March 14. She will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dave Brandon.

March promises to be a busy month for Shopko.

The retailer will open 10 Shopko Hometown stores in late March, bringing its total number of stores opened this year so far to 12.

The company plans to continue to accelerate the expansion of its Hometown format with additional locations through 2017. Developed over the past five years to augment Shopko’s larger store model, the concept is focused on serving the needs of smaller rural communities. Stores average 15,000 sq. ft. to 35,000 sq. ft.

Even if overuse of the words disruption and transformation hadn’t diluted their meaning, they would still come up short when describing global economy altering trend envisioned by some that could have a devastating impact on consumer spending.

If you were an Uber user in Austin, Texas, this fall, you might have been surprised to see the option to take a horse and buggy instead of a car appear on your smartphone.

The tongue-in-cheek offer was part of Uber’s effort to inform and mobilize customers in its fight against what the company contended were antiquated regulations being considered by local government.

Toys “R” Us is adding some communications expertise from Best Buy as the toy retailer announced it has named a a new executive VP.

The retailer said Amy von Walter will join the company as executive VP, Global Communications and Public Relations, effective March 14. She will report directly to chairman and CEO Dave Brandon.

Pacific Sunwear of California has hired financial advisors to help deal with its maturing debt, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In 2011, PacSun received a $100 million credit line from Wells Fargo and a $60 million loan from an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital. Both loans will be due in December, the report said.

Similar to other teen retailers, PacSun has been dealing with increased online competition and a shift in teen spending. The company has had three consecutive quarters of declining sales and negative same-store sales.

The 2,200 unit Bridgestone Retail Operations chain of automotive stores is drawing inspiration from a gold medal winning Olympic sprinter to help accelerate its performance.

Costco Wholesale Corp. is raising entry-level wages for its hourly workers for the first time since 2007.

The move comes as other major retailers have been upping the minimum wages for their entry-level workers amid a tightening job market.

Starting this month, Costco will pay workers $1.50 more per hour in the U.S. and Canada. Workers will now earn at least $13 or $13.50 per hour, up from a minimum of $11.50 or $12 per hour.

Kohl’s announced it donated more than $51 million in 2015 through various charitable efforts and programs.

The donations include nearly $16 million in corporate grants through Kohl’s premier associate volunteer program and approximately $19 million donated through Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise, in addition to other philanthropic giving.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) convened its 31st annual Supply Chain Conference earlier this week. RILA’s Caroline Stec provided a recap of an event which drew record attendance.