Consumer Affairs & Relations

New York City -- Robert K. Futterman & Associates announced the promotions of Gary Alterman, Sal Ferrigno, Jackie Totolo and Elyse Bandel in the firm’s New York office.

Alterman has been promoted to executive VP from senior VP. Ferrigno has been promoted to VP from senior managing director. Totolo has been promoted to director from associate.  Bandel has been promoted to executive VP, marketing & communications, from senior VP, marketing & communications. 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.  -- Whirlpool announced that its EVP global product organization, David Szczupak, will be speaking at the fourth Energy Efficiency Global Forum (EE Global) in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. CEST. His presentation will be a part of the opening plenary session and is titled, "Appliances...the Friendly Face of the Smart Grid."

Consumers are using credit more responsibly, according to the latest delinquency data released by Target. The percentage of accounts 60 days and 90 days past due in Target’s credit portfolio experienced meaningful declines during March, and are now at their lowest level in more than two years.

New York City -- A judge ruled Thursday that a San Diego pro-gay marriage group can continue canvassing outside of Target stores in California, the Associated Press reported. However, protestors must stay 30 ft. away from store entrances and canvass at just one entrance at a time.

The retailer had sought an injunction barring the activists from every outlet in the state, alleging they harass customers by cornering them near store entrances to discuss gay marriage, solicit donations and collect signatures on petitions.

CINCINNATI -- Kroger announced that it has set a 2015 goal of sourcing 100% of its top 20 wild-caught seafood species from sources certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, in full assessment, or involved in a Fishery Improvement Project with World Wildlife Fund.

New York City -- Blockbuster says a bankruptcy judge has approved Dish Network's $228 million offer for the chain, paving the way for a combination of the two companies.

Dish won an auction for Blockbuster's assets earlier this week. Judge Burton R. Lifland of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York approved the bid on Thursday.

According to Dish, the deal is expected to close in the second quarter.

WASHINGTON — While the calendar shift of Easter may have taken a toll on retailers' march performance, April sales should see a boost, as the National Retail Federation noted that consumers intend to spend more this year than in 2010.

New York City -- Tiffany & Co. CEO Michael Kowalski received a pay package worth nearly $7.1 million for 2010, a 13% increase over 2009, according to a report by the Associated Press.

A Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday showed that Michael J. Kowalski, 59, received a base salary of $958,957 and a performance-based bonus of nearly $1.6 million.
 
The bulk of his award came in the form of stock and option grants worth $4.4 million when they were granted.