Corporate Responsibility

By Kristin Graham Koehler, [email protected]; and Brian P. Morrissey, [email protected]

At a time of year when much of the retail news we hear focuses on receipts and holiday sales performance, I can’t help thinking that the notion of value has become synonymous with price — and only price. You can make the argument that price has nearly hijacked the whole definition of value. Why is that, exactly? Should retailers be paying closer and more systematic attention to how they articulate (and how customers perceive) the value of their brand?

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Dole’s entry into the annual New Year’s Day Rose Parade took home the top prize for the third consecutive year.

Dole’s float, called “Dreaming of Paradise,” received the parade’s Sweepstakes Trophy, the highest honor given for the float deemed to be the most beautiful entry.

WASHINGTON — LG Electronics USA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plan to collaborate on a number of environmental stewardship programs.

ISELIN, N.J. — Domino Sugar has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross for relief and rebuilding efforts in the Northeast following Hurricane Sandy.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., president and CEO Mike Duke claims to love working for a company where success and size have resulted in high expectations, but that love affair may be ending in 2013.

Walmart on Friday wrapped up its 12 Days of Giving campaign with a $70,000 donation of warm clothing to 14 non-profits groups.

One of the organizations selected to receive a donation, the Assistance League of Yuma, serves its community by using proceeds from their thrift store to provide clothing, shoes, hats and more to children in need.　Operation School Bell allows the organization to bring groups of students from rural schools twice a year to get clothing.

Leading U.K. retailer J. Sainsbury named Jean Tomlin to its board as a non-executive director, effective January 1, 2013.

Tomlin’s appointment follows the previously announced retirement of Anna Ford from her role as non-executive director, effective December 31. In addition to her overall board contribution, Tomlin will chair the company’s corporate responsibility committee and sit on the remuneration and nomination committees.