Consumer Affairs & Relations

New York City -- A western Pennsylvania woman filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against Target Corp. and its law firm over the chain's debt-collection practices, the Associated Press reported. The woman claims false affidavits were used to go after customers who allegedly owed money to a subsidiary bank that issues the store's credit cards.

New York City -- More than 60,000 Southern California grocery workers cast their votes on Wednesday whether to authorize a strike if contract talks with three of the nation's largest supermarket chains break down. A two-thirds majority vote was needed for passage.

The talks are with The Vons Cos.; Ralphs Grocery Co., a subsidiary of The Kroger Co.; and Albertsons, owned by Supervalu.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is the latest retailer to join the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance as a partner.

The supermarket conglomerate will implement the DPCA's Diabetes Control Program, which is designed to help patients gain better control of their condition, at select store pharmacies, including stores in the Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, markets, and will offer the program in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Las Vegas later this year.

New York City -- Loehmann's Holding Co. announced that Joan Durkin has been appointed CFO and senior VP finance. She assumes the CFO role from Joe Melvin who successfully led the company out of Chapter 11 in early March.

Durkin most recently served as VP finance for Brown Shoe Co.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Tuesday that its customer email address database, which is stored at an external email service provider, was accessed by an unauthorized third party.

According to the provider, email addresses were accessed and no other personal information was obtained.

The Children's Place said it is notifying its customers and has launched an investigation.
 

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Vitamin Shoppe on Monday opened the doors to store No. 500 in St. Peters, Mo. — the company’s first store in that market and the third in the state.

New York City -- A survey released Tuesday by Deloitte found that falling home prices and rising energy costs have negatively impacted consumer purchasing power.

The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index tumbled in March due to a drop in real home prices and a decline in real wages driven by rising energy prices. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

Arlington, Va. -- The Food Marketing Institute said Tuesday that it has appointed Robert Rosado as director of government relations.

According to FMI, Rosado will focus on legislation that impacts supermarkets in the areas of food safety, health care, food deserts and the 2012 Farm Bill.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- 3M announced that it has launched the first-of-its kind Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape.

Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape (including refillable dispenser, packaging and tape) is made from more than 75% renewable or recycled materials, the company reported. The boxed refill roll, including packaging, is made from more than 65% renewable or recycled materials. 

LOS ANGELES — Two Kroger banners have raised funds to benefit Japan earthquake and tsunami victims.

Ralphs and Food 4 Less said they raised more than $100,000 for the American Red Cross' International Response Fund for its Japan relief efforts. The retailers hosted a fundraising campaign that ran from March 21 through April 9.