Consumer Affairs & Relations

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market sees demand for 1,000 new stores in the U.S. and thinks Canada and the U.K. hold great promise as well, based on its sales increase of 12% to $3.1 billion for the third quarter ended July 7, from $2.7 billion for the same year-ago period.

Boca Raton, Fla. – Private home builder David Weekley Homes has presented Office Depot with its Partners of Choice Award. The award is presented to companies that receive the highest marks from approximately 600 David Weekley Homes employees from all levels of the organization.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has issued a statement from SVP and general counsel Mallory Duncan on U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s decision regarding swipe fee reforms. The judge found that the Federal Reserve misapplied Congress’ intent when it implemented the required reforms. 

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation, Food Marketing Institute and Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) both issued statements applauding the ruling on the Federal Reserve Swipe Fee Regulation. The groups were responding to a U.S. District Court ruling on Wednesday that the implementation rules for debit swipe fee reform established by the Federal Reserve were inconsistent with the intent of the law.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway and the Safeway Foundation are holding an annual fundraising campaign together with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to support individuals and families affected by muscle disease. 

Philadelphia -- Five Below will make its Texas debut, opening four locations in Austin. The stores, slated to open Aug. 2, are the first of more than a dozen stores Five Below plans to open in the Lone Star state this year.

Targeted at pre-teens and teens, Five Below offers a variety of merchandise across a number of retail categories, with every item priced $1 to $5

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Shareholders Foundation has announced that an investor who currently holds Maidenform shares filed a lawsuit to halt the proposed takeover of Leap Wireless International by HanesBrands for $23.50 per share.

Investors who purchased shares of Maidenform Brands prior to July 24, 2013 and still hold them are being asked to contact the Shareholders Foundation at [email protected] or 858-779-1554.

Englewood, Colo. -- Sports Authority has named Stephen Binkley, formerly senior VP of merchandising and softlines, as its new chief merchandising officer. He replaces Greg Waters, formerly executive VP, chief merchant and chief marketing officer, who has decided to leave the company after 24 years to pursue personal interests.

During his tenure at Sports Authority, Waters held several leadership roles.