Consumer Affairs & Relations

NEW YORK — TLB Merger Sun, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners, has extended the expiration of its tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock, and the associated stock purchase rights, of The Talbots Inc. for $2.75 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest, and less any applicable withholding taxes, to 5 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, July 27, unless further extended.

New York -- Macy's on Friday won a preliminary injunction against Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia that would prevent it from selling some of its products at the chain.

Macy's Inc. sued Martha Stewart Living in January after J.C. Penney acquired a 16.6% stake in Martha Stewart Living and announced plans in December to open Martha Stewart mini-shops beginning next year. Macy’s said that it had exclusive rights to certain categories of the Martha Stewart brand until 2018.

Visa and MasterCard on Friday announced a proposed $6.6 billion settlement to a long-running dispute over the fees they charge merchants, but one major trade group was clearly annoyed at the prospect.

By David Asselin, [email protected]

Two U.S. toy companies have a shot at exclusive distribution with Meijer this holiday season thanks to a innovative contest announced Monday.

The retailer unveiled details of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest designed to give two small U.S. toymakers the chance to have their toy receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.

New York -- Consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in July to the lowest level this year as Americans over concerns about the economy, Bloomberg reported.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment dropped to 72 this month from June’s 73.2 reading. The metric was projected to rise to 73.5, according to a economists surveyed by Bloomberg News.
 

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — A Grocery Manufacturers Association executive is taking on a new role at Hillshire Brands.

Dennis Belcastro has been named VP government and industry affairs for Hillshire Brands and will be responsible for developing and implementing the company's engagement strategy with federal, state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies and key policy-makers, in addition to managing strategic customer and industry events. Belcastro officially steps into his new role on July 30.

London -- Hong Kong is the world’s most expensive retail destination, with retail rents at $3,864 per square foot, according to the quarterly rankings of global retail rents from global property advisor CBRE Group. CBRE cited the city’s significant inbound tourist traffic and continued increases in domestic wealth as fueling demand from international fashion and luxury retailers.