Labor & Employment

Paris -- French retail giant Carrefour SA reported Thursday that sales in its fiscal first quarter inched up 3.9% to $35.7 billion.

Stronger showings in Brazil and China helped the retailer counteract weaker performance in Western Europe.

Carrefour's sales figures come ahead of a key shareholder vote in June on the company's plans to spin off its discount chain Dia and some European property assets into separately listed companies.

New York City -- Survey results released Thursday showed that, for the first time since 2006, small business owners are shifting their focuses from just surviving to plotting growth.

According to the 2011 American Express OPEN Spring Small Business Monitor, entrepreneurs say they are expecting to hire and make necessary capital investments in their firms, signaling signs of an economic recovery.

By Dwayne Shackelford, [email protected]

Proposed new lease accounting rule changes will have a significant impact on many retail and restaurant companies. The good news is that rent will no longer appear on the income statement; the bad news is that it will be replaced by amortization and interest charges, which will generally be larger in the first years of a lease and lower in the latter years.

Atlanta -- The charitable arm of The Home Depot pledged $30 million over three years to address veterans' housing issues. The pledge starts with the donation of $3.1 million to Fisher House Foundation, The Mission Continues and Volunteers of America to repair and rehabilitate facilities and homes serving veterans.

Home Depot employees also will volunteer to help on projects for all three organizations.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Walmart and Sears Holdings have both announced their commitment to helping military members maintain employment when moving from one community to another.

Washington, D.C. -- On the heels of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s “Joining Forces” military support announcement in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Walmart has announced its Military Family Promise. 

The commitment guarantees a job at a nearby store or club for all military personnel, and military spouses, employed at Walmart and Sam's Club who move to a different part of the country because they or their spouse have been transferred by the United States military.

New York City -- A report by the Associated Press revealed that Gap CEO Glenn Murphy received compensation worth nearly $6 million in 2010, an 18% increase from the year before.

Most of the increase came from a one-time bonus and stock awards. Murphy didn't receive any stock awards the year before.
 

Indianapolis -- Finish Line announced that Terry Ledbetter has been appointed CIO, effective April 14. Most recently, he served as VP information technology, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

In other appointments, the chain said that Donald J. Gualdoni has been appointed VP business development and corporate strategy, effective April 14.

New York City -- A report released Tuesday by The Conference Board found that the top concern facing CEOs across the globe is business growth.

The Conference Board CEO Challenge 2011 polled more than 700 CEOs, presidents and chairmen from across geographies and industries regarding the most pressing issues they face in today’s business environment.