Events

LAS VEGAS — The International Council of Shopping Centers has elected David J. LaRue, president and CEO of Forest City Enterprises, to serve as the association’s chairman for the 2013–2014 term. LaRue assumed his role as chairman at RECon, ICSC’s annual meeting in Las Vegas. 

LaRue is the association’s 54th chairman, succeeding Brad Hutensky, president and principal of Hutensky Capital Partners.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo has been named the 2013 March of Dimes Rhode Island 2013 Citizen of the Year for his and the company’s ongoing support of the March of Dimes mission.

Merlo will be honored for the achievement at a June 18 reception held at the Providence Public Library. The recognition and fundraising event will take place as part of the 75th anniversary year of March of Dimes and the 50th anniversary year of the pharmacy innovation company.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s has donated $1.5 million to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on behalf of Kohl’s Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. 

The money will fund the Kohl’s Cares Grow Safe & Healthy program designed to make Wisconsin kids and families aware of safety risks in and out of their homes, and the necessary steps to help avoid injury. The $1.5 million gift represents the largest corporate donation to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin this year.

Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) is formally opposing the proposed settlement of a federal antitrust lawsuit brought by 19 trade associations and six retailers in 2005. The lawsuit involves “swipe fees” charged for credit card transactions by Visa and Mastercard. Retailers that agree to settlement terms are eligible for a share of a $7.25 billion settlement.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has announced plans to formally oppose a proposed settlement of a federal antitrust lawsuit over credit card swipe fees charged by Visa and MasterCard. NRF is also urging retailers to carefully consider their own decisions before next week’s deadline set by the court.

Framingham, Mass. – The TJX Companies, Inc. reported increased net sales during first quarter fiscal 2014. Revenue rose almost 7% from the same quarter a year earlier to about $6.2 billion, while same store sales grew 2% on top of an 8% increase from last year. Net earnings totaled $453 million.

CEO Carol Meyrowitz said that a flexible business model allowed TJX to have a profitable quarter despite adverse weather conditions. “Flowing the right merchandise at the right time continued to be key to strong merchandise margins,” she said.

NEW YORK — Macy’s is getting ready for its eighth annual national Shop for a Cause charity shopping event, to be held Saturday, Aug. 24, and the retailer is inviting eligible charities to sign up now. 

The one-day-only shopping event was created to support local charities’ fundraising efforts. Since 2006, the event has helped raise more than $46 million for thousands of charities nationwide. In 2012, more than 7,000 charities signed up to participate. 

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — The North Face, the outdoor product company specializing in outerwear, footwear and backpacks, is partnering with state parks around the country to encourage participation in outside activities.