Corporate Responsibility

New York -- Three female employees of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. filed a lawsuit Thursday in federal court in South Florida claiming the company discriminates against women in areas such as wages and promotion opportunities, the Associated Press reported.

The potential class-action lawsuit follows similar lawsuits recently filed in Tennessee, Texas and California. It also follows a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court decision that tossed out a national gender bias lawsuit seeking to represent some 1.6 million female Wal-Mart workers.

Houston -- Starbucks Coffee Co. founder and CEO Howard Schultz said his company plans to add 1,000 stores in the U.S. in the next five years, according to a Bloomberg report.

Cincinnati -- Throughout the month of October, Kroger is lighting up its Cincinnati headquarters with pink spotlights and 150-ft. banners, celebrating breast cancer awareness month.  

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of Postconsumer Plastics Recyclers has launched new online resources to help grocery chains recycle more of the plastic containers they use and empty onsite. The program is aimed at recycling the more than 350 million pounds of plastic containers that are discarded annually by grocery stores across the United States.

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods is partnering with a group of current professional football players who have had life experiences with breast cancer, as part of its campaign for National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Denver linebacker Von Miller, New England wide receiver Wes Welker and other gridiron stars will promote the "Sport Your Support" campaign and "Endless Ribbon" initiative via public relations and social media.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is calling on its associates and customers to take simple steps toward a better life.

The company has launched the "Heart of Safeway Pledge" as a personal call-to-action to take simple, everyday steps – such as using energy-conserving light bulbs, taking a 15-minute walk three times a week or eating healthier foods – that benefit pledge-takers and their communities.

NEW YORK — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Macy's is selling a special I.N.C. International Concepts lace top with part of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The I.N.C. International Concepts lace top for $59.50, available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com/pink. During the month of October, 5% of the purchase price will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Grocer Safeway Inc. said Tuesday it has extended its corporate social responsibility commitment with the introduction of a new program it calls Heart of Safeway Pledge, which encourages consumers and communities to be more conservative and socially responsible.

Sears has equipped 27 of its Home Services division vehicles with engines that run on propane gas as part of a broader energy management effort.

The efficiency initiative involving 27 Roush CleanTech Ford E-250 cargo vans fueled by propane autogas will be deployed in the Sears Home Services Seattle fleet.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee is showing its commitment to health by joining the efforts to make its home state of Iowa the healthiest in the nation.

More than 100 Hy-Vee stores will take part in the second Healthiest State Walk on Oct. 3.