Consumer Affairs & Relations

Seattle – Twelve deaf consumers are suing Starbucks over what they claim was harassment at the hands of employees of a lower Manhattan Starbucks store on March 7, 2013.

Aston, Pa. -- Action Services Group, a national lighting, sign and electrical maintenance and service company, said that it has been officially authorized as a member of the PICS Consortium.

Columbus, Ohio – John C. Martin, executive VP and chief merchandising officer of Big Lots Inc., intends to retire his position with the company. Martin will continue in his current capacity until his successor is appointed, and he has committed to provide guidance through May 2014.

Big Lots has retained SpencerStuart to conduct a search of external candidates to succeed Martin.

TORONTO — Loblaw has entered into a definitive agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart under which Loblaw will acquire Shoppers Drug Mart for C$12.4 billion in cash and stock.
 

CHICAGO — Cargill, an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services, has unveiled an assessment tool that identifies, prioritizes and quantifies risks and opportunities in its supply chains so improvements can be made to them.

Washington, D.C. -- A first-of-its-kind document could go a long way toward cementing the sustainability relationship between retailer tenants and their shopping center landlords.

Houston -- Mens Wearhouse estranged founder George Zimmer is noticeably absent from the chain’s latest commercial, which launched in print and broadcast on July 8.

According to a Reuters report, the new ad focuses on the company's National Suit Drive, an annual charity event that donated suits to unemployed men who are looking to get back in the workforce. Zimmer and his signature phrase — "You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it," — are nowhere to be found.

Winston-Salem, N.C. -- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts said its board has approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of the company's common stock, effective immediately. 

Fremont, Calif. – A suit can help a man feel more attractive, confident, and successful in professional situations as well social ones. According to the findings of a new national survey of more than 1,000 adult males from Men’s Wearhouse and Kelton Research, a suit also has a positive impact on how a man is viewed by others.

Following are highlights from the study results.

Chicago – Parents want to buy food and beverages for their kids that are healthy and appeal to the entire family. Results of a new proprietary study from food processing company Cargill show that 89% of parents said they ask their kids to broaden their tastes, and 69% said they ask their kids to try more adult food.