Labor & Employment

Chicago -- A Tuesday report by NPD Group said that U.S. restaurant unit counts declined by 2%, which translates to a loss of 9,450 restaurants since last year.

According to the report, most of the total unit declines were independent restaurants. Chain restaurant unit counts remained relatively stable, according to NPD research.

YONKERS, N.Y. — Consumer Reports announced that its Index, which measures overall consumer sentiment, fell to its lowest level since December 2009 and registered its sharpest drop in two years, as recent events in Washington about the debt ceiling debate fixed attention on the weak economy.

New York City -- CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. announced Tuesday that Matt Van Buren has been promoted to president, New York Tri-State Region.

Van Buren joined CBRE in January 2006. Previously, he served as executive managing director, with responsibility for CBRE's Midtown Manhattan brokerage division, as well as all activities relating to the firm's operations at its New York City headquarters at 200 Park Avenue.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Ashley Stewart, manufacturer of plus size apparel, announced that its board of directors has appointed Celia Clancy as president and CEO. 

Virginia Beach, Va. -- Divaris Real Estate announced Tuesday the appointment of Eric Bucklew as general broker for its Virginia Beach office.

Bucklew will focus on retail sales and leasing services to support the expansion of DRE's portfolio of leased and managed properties in the Hampton Roads, Va., region.

By Fred Stiftel, [email protected]

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has appointed Susan Henderson as SVP and chief communications officer to replace Karen Rugen, who retired last month, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Henderson will be responsible for all aspects of corporate communications, including media relations, financial communications, issues management, associate and supplier communications and the company's charity initiatives, reporting to president and CEO John Standley.

Operating internationally is full of pitfalls and political peculiarity, as Walmart has again discovered in South Africa where various government officials are attempting to wring additional concessions from the company related to its acquisition of Massmart.