Consumer Affairs & Relations

Fort Lee, N.J. -- The majority of shoppers take notice of such packaging claims as "made in the USA," and most of them are more likely to purchase a product after breaking down demographics.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. said Thursday it will increase its quarterly dividend by 30% to 15 cents per share, payable Dec. 1.

The grocer said the move is prompted by a strong confidence in its business strategy.
 

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores announced that in support of curing type one diabetes and improving the lives of local children, more than 1,300 Kohl’s associates, friends and family will take part in the JDRF Kohl’s Walk to Cure Diabetes on Sept. 15 at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer's "Simply Give Week" garnered more than $145,000 in donations from its customers. The effort, combined with the commitment from Meijer to double all donations made Sept. 2 to 8, brought the week's total donation to $437,400, Meijer co-chairman Hank Meijer said.

Meijer launched Simply Give Week to support Hunger Action Month in September and highlights its continuing commitment to hunger relief.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Wednesday that its board declared a special cash dividend of $1.50 and a regular quarterly dividend of 11 cents.

The retailer said the total cash dividend of $1.61 will be paid on Oct. 10 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 26.

American Eagle said the dividends are part of its cash strategy to invest in the company, while still returning profits to its shareholders.
 

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Gap Foundation at a special gathering at the company's San Francisco headquarters on Sept. 13.

“We’re proud to celebrate 35 years of Gap Inc. employees fulfilling the promise made by Doris and Don Fisher to ‘do more than sell clothes,’” said Bobbi Silten, president of Gap Foundation. “It’s an exciting milestone for everyone involved with the company.”

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Wednesday it plans to settle a class-action matter with more than 1,700 New York store managers who filed suit on claims of unpaid overtime wages.

The preliminary settlement provides for a maximum payment of $14 million by Family Dollar. Settlement terms are pending court approval, and the discounter plans to record a fourth quarter charge to cover the costs.

With the political conventions coming to an end, it’s clear now that election season is in full swing. And, while I don’t pretend to know what the long-term implications of an Obama re-election or a Romney win would mean for our economy or our country, I do think that what happens on Nov. 6 will almost certainly have an impact on our industry — particularly, shopper sentiment and ultimately holiday sales.