Labor & Employment

Hoffman Estates, Ill. –- An inventory clerk at a Sears Holding Corp. distribution center in Logan Township, N.J., has reportedly been arrested for stealing merchandise worth $3.7 million in retail value and selling it for both cash and bartered services to a network of individuals in the tri-state area. According to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, following an investigation by Sears loss prevention officials and local and county police, Kim Watson, 32, was arrested on Friday, Oct. 17.  

Matthew Youngs, president of Ralph Lauren Childrenswear and Latin America has been named chairman of the National Father’s Day Committee.

In this new capacity, Youngs will collaborate with Dan Orwig, president and CEO of The Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council, to oversee and execute the Annual Father of the Year Awards luncheon benefitting Save the Children’s U.S. Programs.

Seattle – Starbucks Coffee Co. is increasing the pay and relaxing the dress code of its U.S. store employees to allow for tattoos and other forms of self-expression to show.  

Strong international growth offset a decline in domestic sales at WD-40 where the company produced its highest volume fourth quarter ever.

Total net sales for the period ended August 31, increased 4% to $97.6 million while full year sales increased 4% to $383 million. WD-40 has a strong international presence and the impact of currency exchange rates favorably impacted results. On a constant currency basis total net sales were $93.9 million for the fourth quarter and $377.7 million for the full fiscal year.

Karen Katz, president and CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, has been appointed to the board of directors of Under Armour Inc.

New York, N.Y. -- Savills Studley, a global commercial real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation, announced the promotion of Stephen G. Berliner executive VP & branch sanager, New York Office to executive VP, New York Tri-State Region.  

San Francisco –- Gap Inc. has approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization for the company’s common stock, in an effort to return excess cash to shareholders. The new $500 million repurchase program for Gap’s stock follows the company’s previous $1 billion share repurchase program.   

Even if Dollar General doesn’t prevail in its efforts to acquire Family Dollar the company’s expanding distribution infrastructure is positioned to support future growth.

Dollar General said it plans to build the 13th distribution center in its nationwide network in San Antonio. The facility will measure more than 900,000-sq.-ft., employ roughly 530 people and serve more than 1,000 stores when it opens in October 2015, the company said.