Consumer Affairs & Relations

Skechers has surpassed its fundraising goal for special needs kids with an ever-popular event that appeals to its target market.

Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid Tuesday evening announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Walgreens Boots Alliance will acquire all outstanding shares of Rite Aid for $9 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $17.2 billion, including acquired net debt.

Walmart is launching a new initiative to help the 250,000 members of the military transitioning back to civilian life in the United States each year.

The program, called Greenlight a Vet, aims to bring recognition to the veterans a year transitioning back to school, jobs and neighborhoods. Walmart is encouraging everyone to participate by showing their support using a "visible symbol," saying even though we don't always know who are vets are when they aren't wearing uniforms, we should still show them support.

New York -- Howard Hughes Corporation announced McNally Jackson Books will open a new location in 2017 at the iconic Seaport District in New York. The independent New York bookstore will set up shop in Schermerhorn Row along the cobblestoned streets of the historic district and bring a new literary experience to the Seaport with a refined and carefully curated selection of books, free interactive event programming, a café with outdoor seating and a family-friendly reading area for children to engage the growing residential community.

Shoppers will take for granted that the products they buy are safe this holiday season, but behind scenes it requires a tremendous amount of effort to deliver on that expectation. Join Walmart, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and ICIX for a look at what’s next in the world of product safety during an upcoming webinar on Nov. 13 at 1 p.m., EST.

A federal investigation related to Lumber Liquidator’s illegal timber trafficking has ended with a guilty plea and some damning statements by prosecutors.

Veteran apparel retailer Tracy Gardner will join the Gap Inc. board, effective Nov. 11.

Gap has relied on Gardner on multiple occasions the past 25 years as an employee and advisor. Gardner worked at the company from 1991 to 1994 in various creative roles and from 1998 to 2004 in senior leadership positions, including head of Gap adult merchandising. This past year she served as an advisor to the Gap brand and functioned in a similar role in 2012.

The International Council of Shopping Centers is among the groups endorsing proposed legislation that seeks to limit what it called an “unintended consequence” of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Abercrombie & Fitch continues its efforts to polish its brand image.

The retailer announced that Jeanetta Darno has joined the company as VP of diversity and inclusion in a role that will include “enhancing the existing global diversity and inclusion best practices throughout the organization.”

Chicago -- Mid-America Real Estate Corporation announced it will exclusively represent Loyola University Chicago on their entire retail portfolio on the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses in Chicago, as well as the retail at the base of a proposed Hampton Inn hotel.

Chicago-based Lakeside Management, NFP manages Loyola’s retail assets totaling nearly 110,000 sq. ft. and will be working closely with Mid-America.