Consumer Affairs & Relations

Walmart is reportedly testing an unlimited shipping service that could undercut Amazon Prime.

Target is shedding an obscure division that many people didn’t even know existed, as CEO Brian Cornell continues with his transformation of the company.

The company announced it will sell Target Commercial Interiors (TCI), a subsidiary that provides office furnishings and related services for business and commercial clients.

Minneapolis-based Omni Workspace Company, more commonly known as A&M Business Interior Services, will acquire TCI and operate it as a wholly owned subsidiary. TCI will be renamed following the completion of the acquisition.

Dillard’s joined Macy’s, Kohl’s and JCPenney in reporting lackluster results as a result of weak sales in the first quarter.

For the first quarter ended May 2, Dillard’s reported of $109.6 million, or $2.66 a share, compared with $111.7 million, or $2.56 a share, in the prior year quarter. Same-store sales declined 1%.

New York -- The founder and ousted CEO of American Apparel, Dov Charney, is suing the company and its chairwoman Coleen Brown for a minimum of $20 million in damages, accusing them of defamation and mental and emotional distress.

Many of the allegations revolve around a letter Brown wrote to American Apparel employees in which she claimed that Charney had agreed in writing to never return in any capacity to the company. According to the lawsuit, Charney never signed any agreement.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Inc. and a group of dissatisfied activist Children’s Place investors, called Shareholders for Change at the Children’s Place, have exchanged accusations in a pair of open letters to shareholders. The retailer struck first with a letter supporting the election of its three independent board nominees, including chairman Norman Matthews, at the upcoming May 22 annual meeting.

Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly criticizing the Senate for blocking consideration of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, which would renew Trade Promotion Authority. Trade Promotion Authority is legislation from Congress outlining objectives and oversight for trade negotiations between the U.S. and other countries.

New York -- Boscov’s Department Store believes in keeping it in the family. Albert Boscov, 85, has resigned as CEO of the company, and been succeeded by his nephew, Jim Boscov. The new chief, who will continue to serve as vice chairman, is the third generation of the family to lead the privately held business which was founded more than 100 years ago.

Babies"R"Us is showing some love to expectant mothers by hosting baby showers for military moms-to-be for the third year in a row.

Babies"R"Us has provided more than $500,000 to the Operation Shower organization through grant funding and in-kind donations for the past three years of the partnership.Operation Shower is an organization that hosts baby showers for military moms-to-be as they experience the journey of pregnancy while their spouses are deployed.

Asheville, N.C. – A significant increase in gain from the disposal of assets helped boost net income 37% at Ingles Markets Inc. in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 to $14.3 million, from $10.5 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Lower gasoline prices helped reduce net sales 3% to $915.3 million, from $947.76 million.

Excluding gasoline, same-store sales rose 1.2%.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Inc. is publicly criticizing a report from proxy advisory service Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommending that shareholders elect one of two board nominees from activist investors Macellum SPV II L.P. and Barington Companies Equity Partners L.P. ISS supports election of Robert L. Mettler but recommends against electing Seth R. Johnson.