Consumer Affairs & Relations

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Wednesday launched initiatives intended, it says, to help women around the globe in the next five years.

The retailer has spent the last year developing a plan -- with help from both governmental and non-governmental organizations and philanthropic groups -- which will direct $20 billion over a five- year period on goods and services from U.S. businesses owned by women, as well as double the amount it pays women-run suppliers overseas.

CINCINNATI — Consumer sentiment toward the economy continues to be negative, acknowledged David Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO, a factor that may drive many consumers toward more of the value-driven store brands in which Kroger is investing.

"The sluggish economy continues to strain household budgets while increasing consumer anxiety," Dillon said. "In fact, customers tell us their expectation for the economy are more pessimistic now than at any time this year."

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has donated $60,000 to assist with Texas wildfire relief efforts. A $25,000 cash donation was made to the American Red Cross with the additional cash and product donations made to other nonprofit organizations in the Texas area.

Target teams provided 12,000 bottles of water, 3,600 bottles of Gatorade, and 500 boxes of snacks to Bastrop Public Works yard last week, along with donations of clothes, diapers, toiletries and bedding to support wildfire relief efforts, the company reported.

ITASCA, Ill. — Supervalu's Jewel-Osco chain announced that it will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its fourth annual VIP reception to honor the culture and significant achievements of the Hispanic community. The signature event, "Sabor de la Herencia Hispana," will be held Sept. 14, at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, from 6 to 9 p.m.  

The wheels of justice turn slowly. So slowly in fact that just last week a former adviser to President George W. Bush was stripped of his license to practice law in Washington, D.C. for one year in connection with a fraudulent return scheme perpetuated at Target and other retailers in early 2006.

Westborough, Mass. -- BJ’s Wholesale Club said Friday that its shareholders have okayed the acquisition bid that will take the company private.

Private equity firms Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners agreed to acquire the warehouse club operator in a deal valued at $2.8 billion.

According to BJ’s, 72% of its shareholders approved the bid. The deal is slated to close on or about Sept. 30.
 

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — At a special meeting held Friday, BJ's Wholesale Club stockholders approved the definitive agreement between the company and Leonard Green & Partners and CVC Capital Partners to be acquired in an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.8 billion.

BJ's anticipates the closing of the transaction, which was announced in late June, will occur around the end of the month.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that former UPS executive Raj Penkar is joining the company as SVP and president of the company's supply chain.

In his new role, Penkar will be accountable for all aspects of the company's supply chain, including logistics, warehousing, inventory management and distribution. Prior to joining Sears, Penkar worked at UPS for 24 years and most recently served as president of UPS' customer solutions division.