News

WASHINGTON — A revised antitrust settlement on the issue of credit card swipe fees doesn't go far enough, The National Retail Federation said Friday. 

By Bruce M. Cross, [email protected]

In the holiday rush, it's easy to overlook wage-hour issues. This article discusses common ones to which retailers should be alerted, including: temporary workers and independent contractors; unpaid interns and trainees; “off-the-clock” work, meal and rest breaks; seating requirements; cost of uniforms; workplace safety; and overtime exemptions.

Temporary workers

DALLAS — Tuesday Morning reported that net revenue for its first quarter increased 1.3% to $172.8 million from $170.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Comparable-stores sales increased by 1.7% compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and were comprised of a 4.7% increase in average ticket and a 3% decrease in traffic.

The company reported that net loss was $7 million or a 17 cents loss per share compared to a net loss of $5.7 million or a 13 cents loss per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

CLEVELAND — Greeting card maker American Greetings announced last week that its board has formed a committee of independent directors to consider an offer to privatize the company, reported the Associated Press.

According to AP, CEO Zev Weiss and his brother, president and COO Jeffrey Weiss, along with other investors and executives, submitted a proposal to the board on Sept. 25. The group wants to buy all of the company's common stock that it doesn't already own for $17.18 per share, valuing American Greetings at approximately $581 million.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Ikea helped out young people transition out of foster care by donating 110 bags filled with Ikea products.

The Ikea "starter kits" included sheets, a comforter, pots and pans, towels and other in-home necessities.

Burlington, Mass. -- E-commerce solution-provider Demandware said Monday that Pacific Sunwear of California has launched Demandware’s Multichannel Commerce Solution, powered by the Demandware Commerce platform, across its web, mobile and tablet channels as well as its brick-and-mortar stores.

Pacific Sunwear replaced its legacy platform with the new cloud-based platform.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — E-commerce solution-provider Demandware said Monday that Pacific Sunwear of California has launched Demandware’s multichannel commerce solution, powered by the Demandware Commerce platform, across its web, mobile and tablet channels as well as its brick-and-mortar stores.

Pacific Sunwear replaced its legacy platform with the new cloud-based platform.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us' first owned tablet is now available in stores and online. The company first announced the Tabeo, the first-ever consumer electroncs device, a month ago.