Legislative, Regulatory & Legal

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly welcoming a ruling striking down the 2012 settlement of a class action lawsuit over Visa and MasterCard’s credit card swipe fees.   The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York overturns a December 2013 approval of the settlement by U.S. District Court Judge John Gleeson.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering new regulations that could it make it difficult for smaller stores to accept food stamps.  

Trader Joe’s is cleaning up its act — with regards to the environment.   In a proposed settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the EPA, the chain agreed to spend $2 million over the next three years to reduce coolant leaks from refrigerator equipment at its 460 stores nationwide, and also to pay a $500,000 related civil penalty.  

Retail store expansion could get a boost from lower rents in the next 12 months as real estate investment trusts react to volatility in global financial markets, according to Pacific Investment Management Co.   In a report titled, “U.S. Real Estate: A Storm Is Brewing,” PIMCO portfolio managers John Murray and Anthony Clarke forecasted a drop of as much as 5% in commercial real estate prices due to a confluence of factors including public market volatility, tightened regulations, and uncertain foreign capital flows.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly supporting a tax reform proposal released today by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas.  

Michael O’Hanlon, who has been an executive with Wayfair Inc. for a decade, is transitioning to a new role with the company.   O’Hanlon has been named VP of government and industry relations. Previously Wayfair’s VP of corporate and business development since September 2006, O’Hanlon will now spearhead government relations strategy and ongoing collaboration with legislators, policymakers, regulators and other industry leaders at the federal, state and local levels.  

Retail group argues for  debit card swipe fee regulations.   The National Retail Federation said Congress should reject a proposal from the head of the House Financial Services Committee to repeal a cap on debit card swipe fees. According to the NRF, the fees have saved consumers billions of dollars over the past five years.  

The National Retail Federation on Thursday pointed a dire outcome if the new overtime regulations are implemented as is.     The NRF told the House Small Business Committee that the new regulations  will lead to hiring freezes and layoffs for full-time workers if enacted as planned December 1.   “Proponents of this rule have touted the changes as a welcomed job creator,” NRF senior VP for government relations David French said. “These claims are riddled with partial truths.”

The National Retail Federation has some big concerns about a plan unveiled Wednesday by House Republican leadership to replace President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.    

Launched in 2013, Drizly facilitates the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages online. Chain Store Age recently visited the company’s Boston-based headquarters and spoke with Nick Rellas, co-founder and CEO, about Drizly’s business model and the evolution of e-commerce.   What made you decide to enable the online sale and delivery of liquor?