Corporate Responsibility

New York -- Two U.S. retailers took home top honors at the 2012 World Retail Awards in London, with Costco Wholesale Club named “Retailer of the Year,” and Macy’s recognized as “Multichannel Retailer of the Year.” The awards were announced as part of the 2012 World Retail Congress.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop customers and associates helped abate hunger by donating nearly $400,000 through the company’s first ever Healthy Ideas Food for Friends program. As part of the company’s hunger relief efforts, Stop & Shop will donate 100% of the funds to regional hunger relief agencies across the Northeast.

Talk about an uphill battle. Walmart is trying to educate shoppers about eating healthy on a limited budget and the importance of understanding unit prices when evaluating purchase decisions.

Walmart and HumanaVitality have developed a unique way to incent people to eat healthier while promoting increased customer traffic at Walmart stores.

The companies on Wednesday morning launched a first-of-its-kind program called Vitality HealthyFood whereby Walmart offers a 5% discount on produce items to HumanaVitality members. The discount is loaded on a card in the form of a credit within five business days that can be redeemed on a subsequent trip to Walmart.

Premium adult beverage maker Diageo received the Carbon Disclosure Project’s top distinction for its efforts in the area of climate change strategy, emissions disclosure and performance.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has named Michael Williams as SVP, general counsel and secretary, effective Nov 7. Williams will have global management responsibility for the company’s legal team and will report to Ron Sargent, Staples’ chairman and chief executive officer.

“Mike brings more than 25 years of legal management experience to Staples,” Sargent said. “With his proven leadership and experience across industries, he will play an important role in supporting the company’s growth.”

South Gate, Calif. -- Primestor Development announced that Azalea Regional Shopping Center has launched construction in South Gate, Calif. The 380,000-sq.-ft. project, expected to be completed by early 2014, will include retailers, restaurants and services in a modern setting with water features, a large open-air plaza, Wi-Fi and gathering areas.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and HumanaVitality annunced a first-of-its-kind program called Vitality HealthyFood, whereby Walmart offers a 5% discount on produce items to HumanaVitality members. The discount is loaded on a card in the form of a credit within five business days that can be redeemed on a subsequent trip to Walmart.

ITASCA, Ill. — Supervalu's Jewel-Osco banner will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its 5th Annual “Sabor de la Herencia Hispana” signature VIP reception on Sept. 27 at the National Museum of Mexican Art, the retailer announced Monday.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has launched part of its Fighting Hunger Together fall initiative to provide meals to communities in need.