Consumer Affairs & Relations

AUSTIN — While 46% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a product if it is eco-friendly, nearly 60% are unwilling to pay more money for that eco-friendly product or service, according to new research.

Minneapolis -- In a video released by Best Buy and reported by Bloomberg, Best Buy Co. interim CEO Mike Mikan told employees on Thursday that his No. 1 priority in his new role is to execute the changes the company announced last month and plan a new direction for the retailer.

“In the days and weeks ahead, I’ll be working with our leadership team on a long-term vision, a path toward the future that will connect Best Buy with customers across multiple channels while improving performance,” Mikan said.
 

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. Inc. said Thursday it has promoted two of its executives to newly created positions.

Effective May 5, current executive VP business development Gregory Bridgeford been named chief customer officer. Rick Damron, executive VP store operations, has been named COO.
 

New York -- A report released Thursday by Bloomberg showed that household confidence improved last week to match the highest level in four years. 

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was minus 31.4 in the period ended April 15, compared with minus 32.8 over the previous seven days. The reading equaled that from two weeks earlier as the best since March 2008.

Despite the strong showing, the monthly expectations measure fell from a one-year high, showing ongoing concerns that too many Americans are still unemployed.

Houston - Stage Stores said Thursday it has made Michael Glazer’s role as interim president and CEO a permanent one.

Glazer, a board member for the chain, was named interim chief following Andy Hall’s resignation in March.

According to Stage chairman William Montgoris, Glazer’s familiarity with the company’s growth and expansion strategy helped him secure the permanent role. “It became clear the company and its shareholders would be best served by making his appointment permanent," Montgoris said.

Ventura, Calif. -- A Ventura, Calif., judge on Wednesday approved a settlement that forces CVS Caremark Corp. to pay $13.75 million to settle California claims that it illegally disposed of hazardous waste at California stores.

CVS came under investigation in 2010 after allegations were made that the drugstore chain had mishandled medical, pharmaceutical and photographic waste at California stores over a seven-year period.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Tuesday expressed support of this week's announcement by President Barack Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk that the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will enter into force on May 15.

Bentonville, Ark. -- A report by the Associated Press on Monday said that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. CEO Mike Duke was compensated with an $18.1 million pay package in 2011, down 3% from the prior year.

According to AP, the pay decline is attributed to a smaller performance-based cash bonus for the year.