Corporate Governance

The statement  “class action for wage and hour violations” has become an all too familiar phrase in the retail industry. The issue is also a dynamic one with constant changes from year to year, and even month to month. The bad news is that the number of wage and hour class actions filed on a daily basis continues to rise. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the number of FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) cases filed in the federal court is more than five times the number 20 years ago.    

Retailing Today will be closed for the New Year holiday, Dec. 31 through Jan. 2, and will publish again on Monday, Jan. 5. The editors and publishers of Retailing Today would like to wish you and your families our very best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015.

Mike Troy, Editor, Retailing Today

 

By Michael B. Adreani

 

 

Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market’s newest store combines the 56-year-old grocer’s signature Old World traditions with leading-edge technology. The 100,000-sq.-ft. store, in Carol Stream, Illinois, houses state-of-the art refrigeration equipment that helps set it apart from other local supermarkets.

 

One of the more innovative real estate tech products to emerge in recent years is Property Payments, a collaboration between MasterCard and International Bancard. CSA talked with David Iafrate, CEO, International Bancard, about the new product and what it will deliver to the industry.

Has Property Payments officially launched?

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has reinforced its support of the military by introducing an everyday 10 percent discount for all past or present members of the armed forces and their families.

The nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer with 850 stores said all military members, past or present, and their families qualify for the 10 percent everyday discount. To receive the discount, customers must provide proof of military service or military dependent ID upon checkout. The discount is valid in-store only.

Washington, D.C. - The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and six other merchant associations have sent a letter rebutting recent comments about payment card security from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). Specifically, the letter outlines three points.  

The best and the brightest college students interested in retail careers will receive $100,000 in grants from the National Retail Federation (NRF) on Jan. 11 in New York City.

The NRF Foundation will award the scholarships to 24 outstanding students as a part of its Next Generation Scholarship program.

This year students will also be awarded a travel scholarship to attend NRF’s Big Show and NRF Student Program in New York City.