Consumer Affairs & Relations

CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble announced that Keith Harrison, global product supply officer, will retire effective Sept. 1, after more than 41 years of service.  Until his retirement, Harrison will serve as officer on special assignment, reporting to Bob McDonald, chairman of the board, president and CEO.

The company announced that Yannis Skoufalos currently VP product supply, global operations, has been elected global product supply officer, succeeding Harrison effective July 1.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Stein Mart announced that net income for the fourth quarter was $18.8 million or 42 cents per diluted share compared with net income of $2.7 million or 6 cents per diluted share in 2009. Excluding the impact of a favorably tax benefit, fourth-quarter net income increased to $14.6 million or 32 cents per diluted share compared with $8.7 million or 19 cents per diluted share in 2009.

For the year, net income was $48.8 million or $1.08 per diluted share compared to net income of $23.6 million or 54 cents per diluted share in 2009. 

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday showed that consumer confidence fell last week to the lowest level in a month, negatively impacted by rising fuel prices.

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index dropped to minus 44.5 in the week ended March 6, from the prior week’s minus 39.7, which was close to the highest in almost three years. Surging gas prices have left Americans concerned about personal finances.

NEW YORK — In what appears to be a case of back-pedaling to alleviate concerns of her devoted fanbase, Lady Gaga's deal to sell a special edition of her upcoming album at Target is off.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart reported Thursday that fourth quarter profit surged to $18.8 million from $2.7 million in the year-ago period. Results included an income tax benefit in fourth quarter 2010.

Revenue for the quarter ended Jan. 29 decreased 1.5% to $336.7 million, compared with $341.8 a year earlier. Same-store sales dipped 1.2%.

Reducing the number of hours truck drivers are allowed to spend behind the wheel sounds like it would be a good idea to improve the nation’s roadways, but nothing could be further from the truth, according the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

The trade group is looking to defeat new rules proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that includes a provision that would reduce to 10 from 11 the number of hours drivers are allowed to drive before taking a 34-hour break.

Paris -- LVMH announced the appointment of longtime Procter & Gamble veteran Christopher de Lapuente as global president and CEO of Sephora, effective March 31, 2011.

Lapuente joined P&G in 1983. He spent the whole of his career within the company, and in 2004, he was appointed president, the youngest ever in P&G history.