Retail

East Pennsboro Township, Pa. – Rite Aid has reportedly been ordered to pay $12.3 million in a civil lawsuit accusing the retailer of illegally dumping hazardous waste from more than 600 stores in California. According to the Los Angeles Times, San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda L. Lofthus handed down the ruling in a suit brought against Rite Aid by the district attorneys of San Joaquin, Los Angeles and Riverside counties.

New York – Barnes & Noble, Inc. is offering Member Appreciation Days, a special savings event for new and current Barnes & Noble loyalty members. Starting Sept. 26 through Sept. 29, members will receive a 20% in-store discount on products in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide including books, gifts, toys, games, movies, and café items.

Members already receive a 10% discount on most purchases, as well as 40% of hardcover books and online savings.

Hill's Science Diet has embarked on a Vets Know Best tour as part of a marketing campaign showcasing the brand’s revamped formulas and packaging for many of its pet foods. 

Wayne, N.J. – Toys ‘R’ Us is opening Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy, gear and more.

Columbia Sportswear Company, a leading manufacturer of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, has appointed Franco Fogliato as SVP of Europe, reporting directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle, effective Nov. 4.

Fogliato will be responsible for establishing and executing sales, distribution and marketing strategies for the company’s Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear and Sorel brands, sold through more than 5,000 wholesale customers across Europe.

Rock Hill, S.C. — Sam’s Club will open its new Rock Hill, S.C., club on Sep. 26. The grand opening will feature Greg Olsen, tight end for the Carolina Panthers, graffiti artist Reid Bramhall, face painting by Tony the Tiger and a book signing by TV chef and restaurateur Jami Deen.

Toys ‘R’ Us has opened Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy and gear.

Boston — Marketing analytics firm Dunnhumby Tuesday announced it has launched Dunnhumby Ventures, an investment firm that will focus on financing retail technology start-ups.  

The company said the new venture will fund startup businesses that are embracing data for innovations along the consumer’s path to purchase. Average initial investments will be $100,000 to $500,000.