Consumer Affairs & Relations

New York -- Consumer confidence increased in January for the second consecutive month, rising to 80.7 from 77.5 in December, according to The Conference Board. Economists had expected a smaller increase, to 79. It was the second consecutive increase.

Minneapolis – An internal investigation conducted by Dorsey & Whitney LLP, independent counsel to the Audit Committee of Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. has found no wrongdoing in Tile Shop’s relationship with Beijing Pingxiu, a Chinese export trading company formerly utilized by the company and some of its Chinese vendors.

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Co. is amending its stockholder rights plan as part of move to protect its ability to use certain funds that can be used for tax benefits.

Penney said its shareholder rights plan can now be put into effect if an individual or group acquires 4.9% or more of its outstanding stock, down from its previous 10%.

New Albany, Ohio - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is separating its chairman and CEO roles and expanding its board's size to 12 members. The teen retailer is also terminating its shareholder rights plan.

Irving, Texas – An Illinois consumer has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Michaels Stores in federal court relating to the retailer’s possible recent data security breach. According to Bloomberg, Illinois resident Christina Moyer filed suit in Chicago federal court on Monday, Jan. 27, claiming the retailer broke an implied promise to protect the personal data of her and other consumers.

Fort Worth, Texas – RadioShack is introducing a new brand positioning, including the motto, "It Can Be Done, When We Do It Together." The company said the new positioning highlights the brand's ability to collaborate with consumers to help them discover what is possible through technology.

New York -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association elected Richard Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar General, as the new chairman of its board of directors.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as board chairman for RILA and to work with this exceptional group of retail leaders to strengthen our industry,” said Dreiling. “RILA is a critical strategic partner in empowering our industry to speak with one voice to champion issues that affect the retail sector, our workforce and our valued customers.”

Revelations of job cuts at leading retailers, the latest involving Sam’s Club, are a reminder that pro-active expense control remains retailers' best friend when it comes to ensuring profitability when faced with a murky outlook for consumer spending.

Sam’s Club on Friday became the latest retailer to disclose plans to eliminate 2,300 hourly and middle management positions. The move was characterized as a rebalancing of resources, according to Sam’s Club spokesman Bill Durling. Other retailers such as Macy’s and Target also recently announced job cuts.