Labor & Employment

NEW YORK — Walmart is ditching plans to build three stores in Washington, D.C., after the city council passed a bill on late Wednesday setting a higher minimum wage for large retailers.

“This was a difficult decision for us — and unfortunate news for most D.C. residents — but the council has forced our hand,” said Wal-Mart spokesman Steven Restivo in a statement released after vote, which passed 8 to 5.

New York -- Walmart said it was walking away from its plans to build three stores in Washington, D.C., after the city council passed a bill on late Wednesday setting a higher minimum wage for large retailers.

”This was a difficult decision for us — and unfortunate news for most D.C. residents — but the Council has forced our hand,”  said Wal-Mart spokesman Steven Restivo in a statement released after vote, which passed 8 to 5.

Calabasas, Calif. -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services has named Paul Loubet as western region director of the national retail group.

Based in the firm’s Newport Beach, Calif., office, Loubet will direct more than 100 investment sales professionals operating from more than 25 offices comprising Marcus & Millichap’s western region.

NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — Greek yogurt brand Chobani has appointed former Kellogg executive David Denholm as the company’s president and COO, effective July 29. The company has also appointed Peter McGuinness as chief marketing and brand officer, effective July 22.

The company will look to the two executive leaders to help it focus on growth strategies and capitalize on the momentum behind the brand, which reached more than $1 billion in sales since its launch in 2007.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has named Ivan Smith as EVP, general counsel and corporate secretary. The 10-year veteran of the company replaces former EVP Vincent Brockman, who resigned to "pursue other interests."

"Ivan possesses tremendous legal knowledge and experience and has been a strong leader throughout his career," said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and CEO. "His sound judgment and business acumen will serve ScottsMiracle-Gro well in the years to come."

Fresno, Calif. -- Three former Target employees have filed suit against Target Corp., alleging that the retailer discriminated against them for being Hispanic.

The trio, which filed the suit on June 24 in Yolo County, Calif., cited a training document that reminded Target store managers that not all Hispanics eat tacos and burritos, dance to salsa or wear sombreros. They also alleged that Woodland, Calif., warehouse workers used racial slurs when addressing Hispanic workers.
   

Redmond, Wash. -- In an internal email to all employees, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced a sweeping internal realignment he said will build upon a strategy launched last year to bring Microsoft more fully into the devices and services market.

The company will reduce emphasis on its traditional strong point of consumer and business software, such as the Windows OS and Office suite of desktop applications, and focus more on computing devices such as Xbox and Surface and on services delivered to mobile device users.

A five-year plan spearheaded by Walmart, Gap and other U.S. retailers requiring factories in Bangladesh to be inspected within a year is under fire, according to a Bloomberg report.