Consumer Affairs & Relations

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. reported its second-quarter results for the period ended March 25.

The retailer's consolidated sales for the quarter rose nearly 2.7% to $937.7 million, compared with the year-ago period, while same-store sales also rose nearly 2.7%. Second-quarter net income totaled $16.4 million, compared with $9.3 million for second quarter of the prior year.

SALT LAKE CITY — Walmart and Sam's Club is offering customers and members the opportunity support the Children's Miracle Network. Now through June 15, Walmart customers and Sam's Club members can make a donation of any amount at the retailers' registers to support the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in their community.

SAN FRANCISCO — Shoppers who use their Visa cards when making purchases at discount stores and grocery stores/supermarkets will no longer have to sign for them if they spend less than $50. Beginning in October, discount stores and grocery stores/supermarkets in the U.S. can accept Visa cards for transactions up to $50 without requiring a cardholder signature or PIN, or providing a customer receipt unless requested by the cardholder.

PLEASANTON, Calif. and WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States is praising Safeway's efforts to establish a gestation stall-free supply chain.

Safeway annnounced Monday that, due to concernes over animal welfare, it is working toward the goal of purchasing pork from producers that have made commitments to decreasing gestation stalls in their breeding facilities.

By Robin Lewis, [email protected] and Michael Dart, [email protected]

Hingman, Mass. -- The Talbots Inc. said it has received a raised takeover offer of $214.6 million from private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The company also said it entered an exclusivity agreement with Sycamore, which will end on May 15.

Talbots said Sycamore had offered to pay $3.05 per share -- slightly higher than the $3.00 per share offer it made in December.

The board of retailer said it continues to evaluate strategic alternative.

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) this week filed a lawsuit against current and former Walmart executives stemming from the April 22 New York Times article, which chronicled the company’s alleged use of bribes to accelerate expansion in Mexico and efforts by top executives to quash an investigation when the situation was called to their attention.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Supermarket retailer Harris Teeter experienced a boost in second-quarter sales, as well as sales for the first half of fiscal year 2012, the company said.

Sales for the second quarter ended April 1, sales rose 6.7% to $1.12 billion, compared with the year-ago period, while the 26-week period experienced a sales boost of 7.6% to $2.24 billion, compared with the same period last year.

Toronto -- Sears Canada is launching a “hassle-free” return policy that includes a satisfaction guarantee with every purchase. If not completely satisfied, customers can now exchange or return almost all products within 30 days -- or 90 days if they use their Sears card.

The new policy is part of a new push by Sears to provide “exceptional” customer service. This week, Sears associates across Canada will sign a customer service pledge. 

New York -- The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTSR), the second largest U.S. public pension fund, has filed a lawsuit against current and former Wal-Mart Stores’ executives and board members over mishandling of allegations that officials knew about a bribery campaign in Mexico and covered it up. The fund holds more than 5.3 million shares of Wal-Mart.