Consumer Affairs & Relations

New York -- Barnes & Noble announced that Mitchell Klipper, CEO of the retail group, will retire at the end of the fiscal year, ending May 2, but will remain with the company in the role of special advisor on real estate and other matters. Klipper, a 28-year veteran of the chain, previously served as the retailer’s COO and CFO before being appointed chief executive.

The retailer said it has begun a search to fill Klipper’s position and that he will help with the selection of the new retail CEO and in the transition process.

New York -- The Home Depot has been given until July to respond to allegations that its data breach occurred because the retailer did not meet its obligation to comply with security standards and to protect its customers' personal information, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

At a hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Thrash gave Home Depot until July 1 and July 15, respectively, to respond to the allegations of consumers and financial institutions.

Wayne, N.J. – The “Island of Misfit Toys” from the legendary Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer holiday special has nothing on Toys “R” Us. Toys "R" Us is running its 10th annual "Great Trade-In" event that lets customers exchange potentially unsafe, old and second-hand cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers and other items in exchange for savings on a new item.

Conn’s is launching a new philanthropic program to help improve the communities it serves by empowering children.

Conn’s Cares is the company’s first program to will galvanize every employee around a single cause at all Conn’s locations, the company said.

“Our vision is that Conn’s Cares will become an enduring investment in the children of the communities we serve,” said Theodore Wright, Conn’s chairman and CEO. “We are committed to the idea that every child should have an opportunity to succeed.”

New York -- Consumers are feeling bullish, buoyed by low gas prices and an improving job market. The University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index for January rose to an 11-year high of 98.2, from a final reading of 93.6 for December.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easier for disabled veterans to buy gas at 370 of its stores worldwide thanks to a full-service initiative called FuelCall.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – AutoNation Inc. has named Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO, to the additional role of president, effective Feb. 4, and signed a five-year employment contract extension through 2019. Jackson has been the CEO of AutoNation since 1999 and the chairman since 2002.  

Home Depot’s CEO Craig Menear will take over as chairman of the board when Frank Blake retires Feb. 2.

Menear, formerly head of Home Depot’s retail operations, was named Blake’s successor as CEO in August, and the company said at the time that Blake would remain as chairman. Menear took over the CEO role at the beginning of November.