Consumer Affairs & Relations

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has been outspoken in its criticism of credit card fees and now a group called the Electronic Payments Coalition that represents credit unions,banks and payment card networks is firing back, claiming that the retail lobby is making false statements regarding checkout fees.

By Jeff Weidauer, [email protected]

Finding the right balance between providing consumers targeted and offers while still respecting their privacy is ongoing battle for mobile marketers. Now, the The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s chief privacy agency, has issued a staff report recommending ways that key players in the rapidly expanding mobile marketplace can better inform consumers about their data practices.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has been outspoken in its criticism of credit card fees and now a group called the Electronic Payments Coalition that represents credit unions,banks and payment card networks is firing back, claiming that the retail lobby is making false statements regarding checkout fees.

Arlington, Va. -- The passage of comprehensive tax reform and a more level playing field between online retailers and Main Street retailers for sales tax collection top the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s public policy priorities for 2013.

According to RILA, the retail industry pays among the highest domestic effective tax rates at 36.4% more than 10 percentage points higher than the average for all other industries.

NEW YORK — Iconix Brand Group has gained a controlling stake of the apparel brand, Buffalo David Bitton from Buffalo International.

Iconix now owns 51% of the brand and as part of the deal, formed a new joint venture company with Buffalo International. Iconix will control this joint venture and consolidate its results.  Buffalo International will be the core licensee for the new joint venture.

The Global Food Safety Initiative has named three new members to its board of directors. The appointments were effective as of January 2013.

Joining the board are:

John Carter, senior director own brand and product quality assurance, Metro Cash & Carry, Germany

Anthony C. Huggett, VP quality management, Nestlé, Switzerland

Jian Xu, VP China Resources Vanguard Corporation, China

Former converse executive Jack Boys is the new CEO of Cole Haan following Nike’s recent sale of the brand to a private equity firm.

Apax Partners completed the previously announced acquisition of Cole Haan from Nike and named Boy’s to the role of CEO effective immediately. Boys became CEO of Converse in 2001 and remained in that roles following Nike’s acquisition of Converse in 2003 through 2010. Prior to Converse, he was vp of global marketing at The North Face and has previously held positions with Avia, LeCoq Sportif and CVEO Corporation.