Consumer Affairs & Relations

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group, a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors announced that Robert E. Grosskopf and Richard P. Edwards have been appointed co-presidents of the retail division. They will jointly assume responsibility for the division's growth strategy while overseeing all client engagements and daily operations.

Chicago – Online retailers are divided about the impact of the proposed Marketplace Fairness Act (MFA) legislation, largely based on company size. According to a new McGladley LLP survey of decision-makers at small and mid-sized online retailers, 38% of small and mid-sized online retailers with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion project that the MFA would have a negative impact on their profitability.

Chairman of Sheetz Convenience Restaurants, Stan Sheetz, has been inducted into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the convenience retail industry. The reception and dinner was recently held at the Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pa.

Sheetz received honors for his contributions to U.S. and international business, and his transformation of the company founded by his father Bob Sheetz, from a convenience store into a chain of more than 460 "convenience restaurants."

Whirlpool has promoted Joseph Liotine to president of the company's U.S. operations and appointed him to the corporation's executive committee. Liotine is currently VP of marketing for the company's North American region.

Facing an increasingly competitive retail landscape, Canadian retailer Loblaw Cos. posted a slight lift in retail sales but, due to incremental margin investment in the back half of the year, lowered its earnings growth expectations for 2013.

However, company executives are optimistic as the company remains focused on investing in what it refers to as the “customer proposition” and looks forward to its acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.

Procter & Gamble has announced a string of organization changes, including the retirement of 37-year company veteran Dimitri Panayotopoulos, vice chairman and adviser to the chairman and CEO, effective Jan. 2, 2014.

Panayotopoulos joined P&G in 1977. He served in sales and general management roles spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, eventually overseeing all P&G brands as vice chair – Global Business Units. As previously announced, he was elected to his current role as advisor to the CEO effective July 1, 2013.

New York -- The Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers saga continues with reports that Men’s Wearhouse will review a previously rejected merger with Jos. A. Bank Clothiers.

Eminence Capital LLC, Men's Wearhouse largest single shareholder, said the retailer is still exploring its strategic options, including a possible merger with Jos. A. Bank, the Associated Press reported. The New York-based hedge fund has urged the retailer to quickly engage with Jos. A. Bank over the merger offer that Men's Wearhouse turned down in October.

Washington, D.C. -- Import volume at the nation’s major retail container ports grew 6.5% in October over the same month last year despite the government shutdown, and year-over-year increases are expected to continue for the remainder of the year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Import volume at the nation’s major retail container ports grew 6.5% in October over the same month last year despite the government shutdown. Year-over-year increases are expected to continue for the remainder of the year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

New York -- Sears Canada announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its 50% joint venture interest in eight properties it owns to Montez Income Properties Corp. for approximately $300 million (C$315 million). Sears’ joint venture partner in the properties is The Westcliff Group of Companies.

The company said it will sell its interests in four regional shopping centers, two strip centers and two open-air retail centers.