Retail

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index ticked down slightly in March, but has remained relatively steady with a reading over 4.0 the past five months. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

New York -- Overstock.com founder Patrick M. Byrne has returned as CEO of online discount retailer.

Byrne took a medical leave of absence in February to address cardiac issues thought to be associated with cancer treatments received much earlier in his life.

SEATTLE — Online retailer Amazon has launched its 50+ Active and Healthy Living Store, which features hundreds of thousands of nutrition, wellness, exercise and fitness, medical, personal care, beauty, entertainment items and more — all in a single destination for customers in the 50+ age range.

New York -- Walmart is eyeing greater energy efficiency and less reliance on fossil fuels as key drivers of its low cost, low price business model.

CINCINNATI — A major initiative unveiled by Kroger could have the retailer’s suppliers scrambling to ensure palm oil used in products the retailer carries are obtained from sources who meet strict harvesting guidelines.

Kroger issued the following policy statement:

Palm oil has become the world's leading oil crop and today accounts for roughly one-third of the global vegetable oil production. This oil has grown in popularity within the food industry as a cooking oil, shortening, margarine, milk-fat replacer, and as a cocoa-butter substitute.

NEW YORK — Nook Media, a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, has launched a new Pinterest app on Nook HD, Nook HD+, Nook Tablet and Nook Color. 

Nook Media seeks to leverage the popularity of the social media platform to keep existing users engaged as well as draw in new ones. Pinterest will come preloaded on all new devices, along with Twitter and a new Facebook for Nook app. Existing customers will be able to download the Pinterest and Twitter apps free from the Nook Store. 

CHICAGO — Former CDW executive Barbara Mousigian has been appointed VP of product for Cars.com, an online resource for buying and selling new and used cars. 

Mousigian will be responsible for defining the company's product strategy. She will also oversee the development and launch of new products and help her team enhance Cars.com's existing properties. 

New York -- Retailers that deliver on their customers’ expectations and provide them with a seamless shopping experience – whether they are shopping in a store, online or through a mobile device – will win their loyalty and gain a competitive advantage that drives sales, according to new research by Accenture.