Consumer Affairs & Relations

New York -- Local politicians and local New Yorkers differ in their views on Walmart.

Fifty-five percent of New York City residents want elected officials to let Walmart open a store within the five boroughs, according to a poll by Quinnipiac University.

The results are similar to a poll conducted by the university four years ago, when the retailer made a failed push to open in Brooklyn.

Minneapolis -- Parents and others shopping for toys at Target will no longer be offered product suggestions based on gender.

The retailer announced it plans to start removing gender-based signage in several departments, including toys, bedding and entertainment. Target said it made the decision after feedback and suggestions from customers.

Retailers know the power of social media in influencing customer attitudes, but how many of them change their merchandising strategy seemingly based on one tweet?

New Albany, Ohio – Specialty chain Abercrombie & Fitch Inc. tries to stay on the edge of cool, and has reportedly decided that on-call shifts are no longer what the cool retailers are doing. According to the Associated Press, Abercrombie will end its requirement for employees in New York stores to be available for short-notice shifts by the end of the year.

A familiar face has returned to lead Dollar General’s merchandising organization following the departure of David D’Arezzo who leaves the 12,000 unit retailer after serving as chief merchandising officer for 20 months.

One of Whole Foods Market's key buyers and longtime employees has been honored by one of the leading nonprofit trade associations in the United States.

Cathy Strange was honored with the American Cheese Society's Lifetime Achievement Award on July 30 at the organization’s annual conference in Providence, R.I.

New York -- Starbucks founder and CEO Howard Schultz says he is not running for President, but that doesn’t mean he is satisfied with the state of politics in American.

Despite posting a sales increase in July, Conn's says nearly 10% of its customers are not paying their bills.

"Greater than 60-day delinquency was 9.2% as of July 31, 2015 compared to 8.7% as of July 31, 2014. Greater than 60-day delinquency as of July 31, 2015 increased seasonally compared to the June 30, 2015 rate of 8.9%," said Theodore M. Wright, Conn’s chairman and chief executive officer.