Consumer Affairs & Relations

OMAHA, Neb. — ConAgra Foods has been named to two leading sustainability indices. For the second straight year the company has earned a spot on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and for the first time, the company has been added to the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP’s) 2012 Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index.

The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas was ranked among the top 30 public undergraduate business schools in the most recent edition of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2013."

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.

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.

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.”

New York -- Hollister has fired three male models it flew in for the grand opening store of its first store in South Korea after the models mocked Asians in photos and on their social media accounts, according to various media reports.