Consumer Affairs & Relations

The nation’s retailers can hope back-to-school shoppers haven’t been paying attention to the steady dose of dire economic news facing the nation the past week, but that’s pretty unlikely considering this is the information age.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has appointed Susan Henderson as SVP and chief communications officer to replace Karen Rugen, who retired last month, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Henderson will be responsible for all aspects of corporate communications, including media relations, financial communications, issues management, associate and supplier communications and the company's charity initiatives, reporting to president and CEO John Standley.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Numerous strategies for combatting the epidemic of childhood obesity have emerged lately, but one could argue that among the most effective are those that happen where people get their food.

A slew of retailers are scheduled to report second-quarter earnings in the coming weeks and among the more highly anticipated reports are results from Walmart and Target. 

Walmart is due up first on Aug. 16 followed by Target on Aug. 17.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it has expanded check cashing and card cashing services at stores nationwide, including the ability to cash a payroll and eligible government benefits card to the penny.

The expansion includes cashing most types of pre-printed checks up to $5,000 and accepting more forms of ID for check cashing, as well as establishing Express Check Cashing check-out lanes at selected stores during peak hours, the company reported.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced on Monday that it is expanding its check and card cashing services to accept more types of checks and take more forms of identification from shoppers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that the Y received the most votes in its Giving Made Simple campaign for health-focused nonprofits.

The Y is one of four nonprofits who are benefiting from a Sam's Club total donation of $1.2 million. Each of the nonprofits participating in Giving Made Simple delivers programs that promote nutrition, active lifestyles and health education for all ages, the company reported.

Operating internationally is full of pitfalls and political peculiarity, as Walmart has again discovered in South Africa where various government officials are attempting to wring additional concessions from the company related to its acquisition of Massmart.