Labor & Employment

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Older Americans who still want to participate in the work force will be welcomed by Dollar General. The retailer has eaffirmed its commitment to experienced workers by supporting the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)’s “Work Reimagined” program and the 50-plus worker pledge.

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills has expanded its portfolio in Brazil with the acquisition of Yoki Alimentos.

“Today marks a new beginning for General Mills in Brazil,” said Sean Walker, General Mills SVPand president of its Latin America region. “Yoki has fantastic brands that have nourished Brazilian families for decades. We are honored that the family owners of Yoki are entrusting us with this fabulous business and its 5,300 people. We are poised to accelerate our growth in Brazil.”

Wayne Lutomski has joined Welch’s as vice president of the brand’s international division.

Welch's, the leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, named Lutomski to the position following the retirement of Bill Hewins who spent 30 years with Welch’s.

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands’ End has named Michael Rosera as chief operating and finance officer. In his role he is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, legal, information technology and integrated company planning. As the leader of finance and operations and a member of the executive team, Rosera reports directly to Edgar Huber, CEO and president of Lands’ End.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix sales grew $6.8 billion in the second quarter, a 3.2% increase from $6.6 billion for the same period last year. Same-store sales rose 1.9%.

Net earnings took a slight hit, declining 0.2%, to $381.6 million from $382.4 million in 2011. However, earnings per share for the second quarter increased to 49 cents for 2012, up from 48 cents per share in 2011.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has taken issue with an opinion piece that appears in the August 1, 2012, issue of the Wall Street Journal. The piece, written by United States Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), is about the Marketplace Fairness Act (the legislation would end special treatment for online-only retailers who currently exploit a decade’s old loophole to avoid collecting and remitting state sales tax, according to RILA).

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. announced it is supporting the American Association of Retired Persons’ “Work Reimagined” program and the 50-plus worker pledge.

“Work Reimagined” is a social network-based jobs program that connects employers seeking experienced workers with qualified professionals searching for new or more satisfying careers. The site (will leverage the platform of social media site LinkedIn to make the best connections between experienced workers and the best employers.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets reported that it's net income increased 12.7% to $23.2 million in net income while its earnings per share increased 11.7% to 86 cents per share, compared with 77 cents per share for the same period in 2011. Second quarter operating income increased 11.4% to $35.3 million.

Second quarter sales increased 0.1% to $677.1 million while comparable-store sales increased 0.4%.

DALLAS — Haggar Clothing, which makes casual and fine apparel for men, has promoted two executives to key positions within the company's merchandising and sales organizations. 

Nancy Dowling has been promoted to VP merchandising and design. She previously served for three years as the director of design for men's casual for the Haggar brand.  Under her direction, the brand has increased market share by over 16%, adding innovative new products and collections to the Haggar brand offering. 

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation and its National Council of Chain Restaurants division joined a coalition of manufacturers, shippers and transportation providers to file an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals opposing new federal trucking regulations on drivers’ hours-of-service, stating the regulations were arbitrary and capricious.