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.

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.

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%.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. on Tuesday confirmed a July 8 proposal to acquire Canadian home-improvement and hardware retailer Rona, but said the Quebec-based chain rejected the $1.9 billion offer.

According to the 800-store Rona, the sale to Lowe’s would not be in its best interests.

"Rona's strategic focus remains to execute on its business plan with a view to capturing the significant opportunities that it sees for the business," Rona said in a statement.

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.

New York -- Consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in July as Americans were more optimistic about the short-term outlook than they were about their current conditions, according to a report released Tuesday by The Conference Group, private research group. The report showed that while consumers are feeling better about the economy, they remain wary about the labor markets.

Retired KPMG International chairman Timothy Flynn was named to the Walmart board of directors on Monday amid ongoing investigations into whether the company violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.