Legislative, Regulatory & Legal

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation took aim at President Obama and Congress for not doing enough to improve the jobs situation and boost the economy.

TORONTO — The Home Depot Canada has joined other Canadian retailers in complying with the government's planned phase out of the penny.

However, the retailer noted that many Canadians were unaware of the phase-out, and wanted to ensure its customers that it is doing its best to inform them of the change. As of Feb. 4, the penny will no longer be in circulation. 

WASHINGTON — U.S. commissaries could face severe cuts if Congress fails reach a budget, leaving many military families without the benefits they rely on to make ends meet, according to the Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits.

Organized labor was dealt a setback in its attacks on Walmart on Thursday when the National Labor Relations Board sided with the retailer in a dispute involving the United Food and Commercial Workers.

The UFCW reached a settlement with Walmart stemming from demonstrations the union organized at various Walmart stores on Black Friday. The protests received considerable media attention at the time as the union sought to persuade Walmart employees to walk off the job on the busiest day of the year.

New York -- Labor groups that have long spoken out against Wal-Mart Stores will stop much of their picketing against the world's largest retailer, though they still plan to continue to push the company to improve working conditions.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, or UFCW, and OUR Walmart reached an agreement with the National Labor Relations Board, the groups and Walmart said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is hoping to dispel fears that merchants are expected to surcharge customers for using a credit card as theoretically allowed under a controversial proposed lawsuit settlement with Visa and MasterCard being debated in the courts.

WASHINGTON  — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has promoted Sean McBride to EVP communications and membership services, effective Jan. 1. The announcement was made by GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey. McBride previously served as senior vice president of communications and marketing.

Washington -- Despite some groups’ claims, the National Retail Federation said that few, if any, merchants are expected to surcharge customers for using a credit card as theoretically allowed under a controversial proposed lawsuit settlement with Visa and MasterCard being debated in the courts.