Consumer Affairs & Relations

Pleasanton, Calif. – Safeway Inc. on Friday said that no other bidders have emerged during the 21-day “go-shop” period following the announcement of its agreement to be acquired by AB Acquisition, the parent of Albertsons.

Under the definitive merger agreement, Safeway and its representatives were permitted to solicit and engage in negotiations with respect to alternative acquisition proposals during the 21-day period that ended on March 27 (the "go-shop" period).

It’s official. Loblaw has completed its acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation, which is now a separate operating division of Loblaw.

"The most successful partnerships are grounded in strengths that complement each other," said Galen G. Weston, executive chairman, Loblaw. "Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart are perfect partners. We will drive growth and profitability through our unmatched mix of store formats, products and offerings. This is truly a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts."

Washington, D.C. -- Consumers opened up their pocketbooks a bit in February, according to figures released Friday by the U.S. Commerce Department. Consumer spending increased 0.3% last month after a downwardly revised gain of 0.2% in January. The February increase was the biggest since November.

Personal income was up 0.3%, matching January's gain. It was the second straight monthly increase.

Hasbro has elected Richard Stoddart, CEO, North America at Leo Burnett Worldwide, to its board of directors.

Minneapolis – Senators John D. Rockefeller (D. - W.V.) and Richard Blumenthal (D. – Conn.) publicly criticized Target’s handling of its 2013 data breach during testimony by Target CFO John J. Mulligan in front of the Senate Commerce Committee, which Rockefeller chairs. The senators said that Target’s management did not pay attention to signals from its security software and that it is time for the retail industry to make changes.

Washington, D.C. – Consumer spending growth of 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2013 helped drive a 2.6% increase in the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). According to the third and final estimate from the Commerce Department, the price index for gross domestic purchases, which measures prices paid by U.S. residents, increased 1.5% in the fourth quarter.

Tractor Supply Company is opening its 1,300th store March 29. The store, which will be located in Bullhead City, Ariz., is part of the company’s plan to operate a total of 2,100 domestic store locations.

Academy Sports + Outdoors has renewed its multi-year partnership with the Atlanta Braves. The specialty retailer also plans to open two new stores in Cartersville, Ga., April 11 and Douglasville, Ga., May 2.

"We're thrilled about our continued expansion in the Atlanta metro area," said SVP of marketing Anita Sehgal. "Our partnership with the Braves and the two additional stores are clear indicators of Academy's commitment to our ongoing growth in the Atlanta community, Braves fans, and active-minded families throughout Georgia."