Consumer Affairs & Relations

Online shoppers that prioritize convenience for security could begin feeling the fallout.  

Gordon Brothers Group has a new name.   The 113 year-old, global advisory, restructuring, and investment firm said that all of its operating units will now be marketing under one name: Gordon Brothers.  

Two major retail organizations delivered some early holiday cheer to retailers.   The National Retail Federation and the International Council of Shopping Centers issued their annual holiday forecasts on Tuesday, and both predicted holiday shoppers will spend more this year than they did last year.   

Bass Pro Shops has agreed to acquire Cabela’s in a deal that will allow the privately held Bass Pro to nearly double its store count.    Bass Pro plans to purchase Cabela’s for about $65.50 a share in cash, which represents a 19% premium over Friday’s closing price. The agreement will create an outdoor retail powerhouse that specializes in fishing, hunting and boating merchandise. Both companies are known for their elaborate, wilderness-themed store interiors.   

A couple from Georgia were charged with a complex scheme to defraud Staples of more than $1.4 million worth of product rebates and customer loyalty rewards.   The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said John Douglas and an associate created more than 1,100 Staple rewards accounts using fake names, addresses and contact information, Masslive.com reported. His wife is accused of selling much of the fraudulently obtained Staples merchandise on eBay.  

Don’t believe the rumors. Kmart is not going out of business.   That’s according to Eddie Lampert, the beleaguered  CEO of Kmart parent company Sears Holdings Corp.  

In its new study of retail bankruptcies, Fitch Ratings identified seven retailers as being “at risk” for filing bankruptcy in the next year to 24 months.  

Who says you can’t go home again?   Certainly not Gap Inc., which appointed Jamie Gersch as the senior VP, chief marketing officer of its Old Navy banner, reported adage.com. She replaces Ivan Wicksteed, who left the company in March. She will come aboard at the end of October.