Labor & Employment

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation said Friday that high unemployment rates remain a concern as retailers head into the holiday season.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot announced it has named Teresa Wynn Roseborough executive VP general counsel and corporate secretary, effective in November.

Roseborough, who will be responsible for leading The Home Depot's legal department, as well as its government relations and corporate security services functions, joins the chain from MetLife, where she most recently served as deputy general counsel.

CUPERTINO, California — Steve Jobs, the man behind one of the most influential technology companies, passed away Wednesday.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away [Wednesday]," Apple's board of directors announced in a statement. "Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."

WASHINGTON — A report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation predicted an average holiday shopping season. According to the NRF forecast, holiday retail sales for 2011 are expected to increase 2.8% to $465.6 billion. While that growth is far lower than the 5.2% increase retailers experienced last year, it is slightly higher than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.6%, according to NRF.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation predicted an average holiday shopping season. According to the NRF forecast, holiday retail sales for 2011 are expected to increase 2.8% to $465.6 billion. While that growth is far lower than the 5.2% increase retailers experienced last year, it is slightly higher than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.6%, according to NRF.

New York City -- Saks Fifth Avenue will close its store in downtown Pittsburgh in 2012, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported. The news follows negotiations between the retailer, the store’s landlord and city officials over funding for renovations to the building.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) applauded House Education and the Workforce Chairman Jon Kline for the introduction of the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act and urged for its speedy passage.

The legislation comes in response to efforts by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to impose several components of the job-killing Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a priority of organized labor that failed to gain support in Congress.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Wednesday two new hires in the Southeast Region.

Andrea Kenney and John Lambert have joined the firm to provide strategic planning and evaluation of the positioning, merchandising and development of shopping centers as owners continue to look for ways to enhance their real estate operations and maximize tenancy.

New York City -- Brixmor Property Group announced Tuesday a series of corporate and regional enhancements to its leasing and redevelopment capabilities as it re-focuses on growing portfolio occupancy, strengthening retailer relationships and ramping-up redevelopment efforts.

Timothy J. Bruce has been appointed executive VP, leasing and redevelopment and as a member of the company’s Management Committee.  

Washington, D.C. -- A new survey released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation found that nearly all retailers rely on background checks to keep their customers, and themselves, safe.

The survey, completed by retail executives from 96 of the nation’s leading department stores, mass merchants, discounters, drug stores, grocery stores and restaurants, examined retailers’ use of background screenings during the application and employment process.