Consumer Affairs & Relations

National Retail Federation SVP for government relations David French spoke to Fox News' Stuart Varney about D.C.’s decision to pass a living wage bill requiring non-union, big box retailers to pay their employees $12.60 per hour. As a result of the bill's passing, Walmart has scrapped plans to open three stores in the District. While defenders of the bill point out that the living wage is a fair one given cost of living and the still challeneging economic climate, Varney says the District, via its council members, is turning down 2,000 jobs and French agrees.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has appointed Jim Flannery as the company’s senior EVP, operations and industry affairs.

“I am pleased that Jim Flannery is joining the GMA team,” said Pamela G. Bailey, GMA president and CEO. “Given his life-long experience and success in the consumer packaged goods industry, and his in-depth knowledge of so many of the important issues GMA manages on behalf of its members, no one is better positioned than him to advance GMA’s member-driven agenda.”

New York -- Uniqlo is expanding its U.S. footprint. The Japanese apparel retailer, a division of Fast Company, will open 10 more U.S. stores this fall, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California.
 
The new locations, all in shopping centers, will bring the brand’s presence in the United States to a total of 17 sites.

The 10 new Uniqlo locations include:

New York -- A Thursday report by Reuters said that RadioShack is considering bringing in a financial advisor to guide the struggling chain toward managing its looming debts and spiraling sales.

According to the report, which cited unidentified sources, RadioShack will hear pitches from financial advisers in the coming weeks, looking for the right fit to deal with $216.4 million in convertible notes coming due August 1, as well as falling sales capped off by a 7.6% drop in the first quarter of 2013.

NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — Greek yogurt brand Chobani has appointed former Kellogg executive David Denholm as the company’s president and COO, effective July 29. The company has also appointed Peter McGuinness as chief marketing and brand officer, effective July 22.

The company will look to the two executive leaders to help it focus on growth strategies and capitalize on the momentum behind the brand, which reached more than $1 billion in sales since its launch in 2007.

Fresno, Calif. -- Three former Target employees have filed suit against Target Corp., alleging that the retailer discriminated against them for being Hispanic.

The trio, which filed the suit on June 24 in Yolo County, Calif., cited a training document that reminded Target store managers that not all Hispanics eat tacos and burritos, dance to salsa or wear sombreros. They also alleged that Woodland, Calif., warehouse workers used racial slurs when addressing Hispanic workers.
   

Walmart, Target, Best Buy and other retailers created a cooperative nearly a year ago to develop a mobile payment approach and this week they welcomed another major player to the fold.

NEW YORK — Walmart is ditching plans to build three stores in Washington, D.C., after the city council passed a bill on late Wednesday setting a higher minimum wage for large retailers.

“This was a difficult decision for us — and unfortunate news for most D.C. residents — but the council has forced our hand,” said Wal-Mart spokesman Steven Restivo in a statement released after vote, which passed 8 to 5.