Mass Merchant

BRISBANE, Calif. -- Walmart announced that it has acquired the services of Kosmix, a Mountain View, Calif.-based company to grow its multi-channel strategy.

For all the talk of inflation this year, whether it is the price of cotton or the cost of food, Easter won’t cost any more this year than last year for shoppers who are selective in their purchases at Target.

The iPad is an amazing product that offers a wonderful user experience, which is why everyone wants one. It also doesn’t hurt that retailers of all types have become quite aggressive in their promotional efforts on behalf of Apple, since the popular device makes a meaningful contribution to sales in addition to providing those retailers who feature the device with some of that Apple “it” factor.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- 3M announced that it has launched the first-of-its kind Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape.

Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape (including refillable dispenser, packaging and tape) is made from more than 75% renewable or recycled materials, the company reported. The boxed refill roll, including packaging, is made from more than 65% renewable or recycled materials. 

Target began its in-store recycling program just nine months ago, and some of the early numbers from the program are staggering. Between April 2010, when the program was launched, and December 2010, the company collected and recycled more than 170 million shopping bags and more than 1.4 million pounds of cans and bottles. In addition, the company said it collected roughly two million units of small electronic items such as MP3 players and cell phones.

Greenpeace has published its fifth annual “Carting Away the Oceans” report examining the retail industry’s seafood practices, and none of the 20 companies featured are where the environmental group thinks they should be in terms of sustainability and responsible harvesting practices.

MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Brad Rogers to the position of VP real estate development. Rogers will report to Keith Gehl, SVP real estate and facilities.

“Accelerating new store growth is a key element of our strategic agenda,” said Gehl. “Through Brad’s leadership we will continue our aggressive growth in both new and existing markets to provide budget-conscious customers with a compelling shopping experience in more areas of the country.”

The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission announced that Sam’s Club would pay a $440,000 fine to settle a harassment lawsuit involving Hispanics at a club in Fresno, Calif.