Consumer Affairs & Relations

Arlington, Va. -- Retailers are up in arms over the proposed settlement filed in July of antitrust lawsuits filed by merchants against Visa, MasterCard and the nation's largest banks. A total of nine associations representing a broad swath of the retail industry expressed their reservations to members of Congress on Thursday, charging that their interests were not represented and asking Congress to reject that settlement.

Foothills Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal Inc. said Thursday it has dropped its temporary shareholder rights plan, citing feedback from stakeholders, and has proposed to expand its board to include two nominees of activist investor Clinton Group.

In July, Clinton Group, which owns approximately 7% of Wet Seal, called for a sale of the retailer, expressing dissatisfaction with its performance, and made a play for four seats on the board. In response, the retailer adopted a temporary shareholder rights plan with a 10% trigger.

BALTIMORE — Sprout Foods is adding new toddler puree snacks to its portfolio and also will introduce more convenient product packaging, the company announced at the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore.

Memphis -- Fred’s Super Dollar announced that it is launching a holiday layaway plan featuring no fees and a down payment of only $1. The plan also offers a $5 gift card to customers for every layaway purchase totaling $50 or more.

Walmart and HumanaVitality have developed a unique way to incent people to eat healthier while promoting increased customer traffic at Walmart stores.

The companies on Wednesday morning launched a first-of-its-kind program called Vitality HealthyFood whereby Walmart offers a 5% discount on produce items to HumanaVitality members. The discount is loaded on a card in the form of a credit within five business days that can be redeemed on a subsequent trip to Walmart.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties announced that Farzana Mitchell has succeeded John Foy as CFO.  

Foy will remain in the near term as executive vice chairman to provide continuity through the transition.  

In addition, the CBL board announced that Katie Reinsmidt has been promoted to the new position of senior VP – investor relations and corporate investments.

Publix is making its North Carolina debut with the planned opening of a new store in the greater Charlotte area.

The company has signed a lease for a store at Providence Road West and Johnston Road in Ballantyne. The store will be part of a new division based in Charlotte.

While Ballantyne marks Publix’s long awaited entry into North Carolina, the company is looking ahead to continued growth within the state and in its current operating areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

Orchids Paper Products Company was recognized as Dollar General’s private label vendor of the year at the retailer’s annual vendor summit.

Orchids said it received the award in recognition of its innovation, dependability and excellence in its partnership with Dollar General.