Consumer Affairs & Relations

SEATTLE — Amazon.com announced that it supports the federal bill introduced this morning by United States Senators Enzi, Durbin, and Alexander, that would create a constitutional framework for collecting sales tax online.

SALISBURY, N.C. — In honor of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, Food Lion, Harveys and Reid's stores will offer a 10% discount to active and retired military personnel to show their support and appreciation for those who are currently serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the retailers, which are part of Delhaize Group, reported.  To receive the discount, active military, reservists and veterans should request the discount at check-out along with their MVP card.

Bentonville, Ark. -- According to a Request for Information released Tuesday and reported by Kaiser Health News, Walmart is in the process of piecing together a comprehensive low-cost primary care healthcare platform.

New York City -- Voters in the state of Washington on Tuesday approved a plan to privatize liquor sales, siding with Costco Wholesale Corp. in the costliest initiative campaign in state history, the Associated Press reported. The measure will end Washington's state-run liquor system, which was formed in the 1930s in the aftermath of Prohibition.

Deborah White was named EVP and general counsel at the Retail Industry Leaders Association to help the trade association's members cope with an increasingly challenging regulatory climate.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has announced its stores raised $14.5 million in October for breast cancer research. The company thanked its customers and employees for their commitment to finding a cure for the most common form of cancer for women.

"We continue to be humbled by the generosity of our customers and the commitment our employees have for the cause," said Larree Renda, EVP Safeway and chair of the Safeway Foundation. "This kind of fundraising outcome will have a real and measurable impact on the science of finding a cure."

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Members of the military can enjoy savings at Sam's Club with the introduction of a new membership offering.

The retailer said that when military personnel — including those active or retired, their spouses and civilian military employees — join or renew as an advantage member or advantage plus member, the company will provide them with a $15 Sam's Club gift card to each primary membership.

Proof of military identification is required and the offer cannot be combined with any other membership offers, Sam's Club noted.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General announced that is honoring men and women who have served our country in the military with a special Veterans Day discount. On Friday, Nov. 11, all veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their immediate families will receive a 10% discount at Dollar General stores. Shoppers at www.dollargeneral.com will also be eligible to receive 10% off their purchase Nov. 11 through Nov. 13 using the code VETERANSDAY at checkout.

NEW YORK — The ways in which the largest U.S. retail brands address the needs of their customers on Facebook and Twitter were unveiled last week in a white paper — Safeway and Sears topped charts; Costco, Kmart, Kroger and Walmart were found wanting, according to Conversocial, a software company that develops social media tools.

Target said it plans to close stores in Broomfield, Colo., Raleigh, N.C., Orlando and Portland by the end of its fiscal year in late January.