Consumer Affairs & Relations

The retail industry lost one of its legends this week when Eugene Ferkauf, founder of the E.J. Korvette chain of stores passed away at his Manhattan home.

Before Sam Walton or Harry Cunningham opened their first discount stores 50 years ago, Ferkauf established the principles of discount retailing with his stores in the New York area. The first Korvette’s store opening in 1948 and at its peak the company operated 45 stores.

Minneapolis -- Best Buy Co. said Thursday that its founder and chairman Richard Schulze is resigning from his position on the board, one he has held for more than 40 years.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot on Wednesday expanded its share buyback plan for the year by $500 million and reaffirmed its full-year outlook.

The retailer said it now expects to buy back $4 billion of its shares and that the increase in its share repurchase plan would not have a material impact to earnings per share for 2012.

MODESTO, Calif. — Save Mart Supermarkets on Wednesday announced the hiring of Brett Wing as VP FoodMaxx operations. Wing comes from Cub Foods/Supervalu in Hudson, Wis., and brings 35 years of grocery store and senior management experience, the grocer stated.

Washington, D.C. -- Federal regulations enacted last year potentially undermine a generation-old law guaranteeing women the right to obtain credit in their own names and need to be reconsidered, the National Retail Federation told a congressional committee on Wednesday.

The Eco-Me brand of unique dog grooming products is the newest arrival to the pet department at Target.

The brand said it secured placement in 450 Target stores for its line of all-natural pet cleaning and grooming products that are Ph-balanced specifically for pets.

New York -- Kenneth Cole Productions said its board has approved founder Kenneth Cole's offer to buy up the remaining part of the company that he doesn't already own in a deal worth $245 million.

Cole, currently the chairman and CEO of Kenneth Cole, holds about 46% of its outstanding common stock and controls 89% of its voting power. He will pay $15.25 for each share of the company that he doesn't already own.

ATLANTA — Ahead of its investor and analyst conference, Home Depot has provided an update on its strategic priorities and long-term financial targets.

Home Depot's strategic goals include creating a stronger connection with customers and simplifying its business, improving merchandise assortment and value, improving shareholder value,and developing a competitive platform across all commerce channels.