Consumer Affairs & Relations

Americans' affinity for guns and ammunitions — especially among those anxious about a perceived diminishment of ownership rights — was on display this week as Smith & Wesson Holdings reported record sales and profits.

SPARKS, Md. — McCormick & Company reported sales and profit results for the second quarter ended May 31, at which time the company completed its acquisition of Wuhan Asia Pacific Condiments, a leading bouillon manufacturer in central China.

Workforce management tools can help with compliance, control costs

As an industry with one of the largest populations of part-time workers, retail stands to be hit the hardest by the changes required by the Affordable Care Act. Yet as retailers start planning, many of them simply don't know how to comply, and what the long-term effects will be. Unfortunately, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution, and employers will have to carefully select a strategy that is right for them.

Fremont, Calif. – George Zimmer, the founder and executive chairman of Men’s Wearhouse who was stripped of his executive chairman title last week and has been engaging in a war of words with the retailer ever since, continued his verbal battle in an open letter released on June 26.

New York – Closing arguments for the lawsuit Macy’s filed against JC Penney and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia last year are scheduled to commence Aug. 1, according to a report in Reuters. The suit claims a December 2011 agreement to create Martha Stewart boutiques in JC Penney stores violated Macy’s exclusive right to sell Martha Stewart Living products.

American’s demand for guns outstripped supply during the fourth quarter at Smith & Wesson Holdings, where ramped-up production produced a 37.6% sales increase.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Stein Mart has named Jay Stein, its interim CEO since September 2011, as permanent CEO. Stein has been chairman of Stein Mart’s board of directors since 1989 and will remain in that position. He also served as CEO from 1990 to 2001.