Consumer Affairs & Relations

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation on Monday made a commitment to provide support through cash and in-kind donations of $500,000 to organizations helping with relief efforts for those affected by the floods in Louisiana.   Working closely with the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, coordination efforts are being made with elected officials and governmental entities across the region to meet the needs of those affected by the overwhelming flooding in the Louisiana region this week.  

There was no stopping TJX Cos. in its second quarter. But it sounded a cautious note about its third quarter.   For the quarter ended July 30, TJX posted a profit of $562.2 million, better than analysts’ forecasts, up from $549.3 million in the year-ago period.   Revenue increased 7% to a better-than-expected $7.88 billion. Same-store sales rose 4%, above expectations for an increase of 2% to 3%.  

That didn’t take very long.    Barnes & Noble on Tuesday announced the abrupt departure of CEO Ronald D. Boire, who has held the position for just under a year.    In a short and bluntly-worded statement, the book-seller announced that its board had determined that Boire “was not a good fit for the organization and that it was in the best interests of all parties for him to leave the company.”      

A Securities Exchange Commission investigation into some loans applied for by CBL & Associates is unfounded, the company maintained in announcing the results of an independent investigation.  

Publix Super Markets is expanding its online outreach by launching the company’s first blog for engaging with customers.   The blog, called Publix Checkout, was created with the customer in mind, the company says. Blog posts will range in topic from recipes, community initiatives and sustainability ideas to holiday entertaining, health and wellness and more. Visitors to the blog can comment on posts or share them on social media sites.  

The chief executive of Hasbro Inc. has joined the board of directors of Gap Inc., effective Aug. 12.   The retailer said it is adding Brian D. Goldner to its board as the merchant focuses on its “next era of retail.” His appointment comes shortly after Gap posted a disappointing sales for the second quarter.   

Walmart, along with organizations around the world, has teamed up with personal care brand Always to contribute to the goal of keeping girls in sports with a new campaign.   The Always #LikeAGirl – Keep Playing program will partner with UN Women to help girls build and maintain their confidence through sports. In the U.S., Always will support Girls on the Run programs and work with Walmart to help keep girls in sports.