Labor & Employment

Traffic problems and increased discounts led specialty apparel retailer The Children’s Place Inc.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve worked hard to build a profitable business and you’ve done it the right way. You’ve taken every step to control the things you can control about every aspect of your company. You’ve got handbook policies regarding equal employment opportunity and prohibiting discrimination or harassment on any basis, and you have a diverse workforce that evidences your commitment to equal opportunity.

New York -- Coming soon: a theatrical spin on the drama surrounding American Apparel and its controversial founder and ousted CEO Dov Charney.

The play, entitled “Unseamly,” is due to make its off-Broadway debut on October 8, at the Urban Stages theatre. The drama, which first ran in Montreal in 2014, was written by Oren Safdie a first cousin of Charney. (Safdie has had several plays produced off-Broadway).

Chicago -- The nation’s finance chiefs have a lot on their minds these days, from uncertainty in the U.S. economy to cybersecurity to regulatory and compliance issues. Another big concern: Congressional dysfunction around tax reform.

Target Corp. has agreed to pay $2.8 million to resolve a hiring discrimination claim filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners is adding a department store to its growing portfolio.

Belk, the nation's largest family owned and operated department store company, on Monday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be 100% acquired by Sycamore Partners in a transaction with an estimated value of approximately $3 billion.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - Lynn Pendergrass has joined Sears Holdings Corp. in the new role of president, hardlines.

In this position, she will be responsible for working across the Kenmore, Craftsman & DieHard business unit and its hardlines partners, including home appliances, lawn & garden, tools, and Sears Auto Centers, to develop compelling offers and build customer relationships.

Pendergrass comes to Sears Holdings from Johnson & Johnson, where she served as worldwide chairman, consumer.

Denver -- Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is going on a hiring binge.

The chain will hold its first-ever “National Career Day,” on Sept. 9, with the goal of hiring 4,000 new employees.

In terms of employment, Chipotle is considered one of the more desirable fast-food chains, offering higher-than-average wages. In June, the company announced it planned to offer benefits previously available only to salaried workers to all employees, including full tuition reimbursements, sick pay, and paid vacation days.