Consumer Affairs & Relations

Hormel Foods has announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Phillip L. Minerich, VP of research and development, effective Dec. 31. Taking his place Oct. 28 will be Dr. Kevin L. Myers, who is currently director of product and process development, research and development.

New York -- Consumer Confidence decreased in September amid resurfacing concerns about the short-term outlook for both jobs and earnings, according to The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index. The index, which had increased slightly in August, now stands at 79.7, down from 81.8 in August. Analysts had expected the index to fall to 79.9 this month.

The Present Situation Index grew to 73.2 from 70.9. The Expectations Index fell to 84.1 from 89.0 last month.

Bentonville, Ark. – A regional class-action gender bias suit filed against Wal-Mart Stores in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida has reportedly been dismissed. According to Bloomberg, U.S, District Court Judge Robert N. Scola ruled that plaintiffs in the case had missed time limitations to file claims and that their claims were previously rejected in another gender bias case.

In a digital arena where e-commerce businesses are vying for traffic, Virtual Piggy has continued expanding its footprint — 500,000 users have signed up for its family wallet solution. 

Fremont, Calif. – The Men's Wearhouse has extended its exclusive relationship with David's Bridal. The amendment to the current contract extends the partnership by five years with the option to extend for an additional five years.

"Our relationship with David's Bridal has been an important part of our tuxedo marketing plan since 2007,” said Doug Ewert, Men's Wearhouse president and CEO. “We are excited to extend this valuable partnership and enhance our co-marketing programs to continue providing superior wedding services."

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports has named Eric Hunter as executive VP of marketing, responsible for the company’s brand image and integrated marketing efforts. He most recently served as senior VP of marketing and acting chief marketing officer for J.C. Penney Co., where he led strategy, research, creative, media, customer relationship management and digital direction for the JCP enterprise brand and all JCP-owned brands.

York, Pa. - The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. board of directors has unanimously elected Steven Silverstein to its board, effective immediately. Silverstein will serve on the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

Warrendale, Pa. -- Rue21 stockholders have approved the previously announced merger agreement under which funds advised by Apax Partners will acquire the shares of Rue21 for $42 per share in cash. Approximately 99.7% of the shares voted at today’s special stockholder meeting voted in favor of the agreement.