News

The vindication was a long time coming and Walmart surely hasn’t heard the last from litigants alleging all sorts of misdeeds on the part of the company, but when the Supreme Court ruled this past week that a lawsuit didn’t merit class action status it was a victory for the company and large businesses everywhere.

Huey Lewis and the News are scheduled to perform a free concert in Fayetteville, Ark. on Sept. 9, in connection with the women’s professional golf tournament known as the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. The Grammy Award winning entertainer will be performing at the M&M’s/Extra Dickson Street Concert. The 8 p.m. concert will be held in the Walton Arts Center parking lot located at 495 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville.

ATLANTA — Former Unilever executive Michael Polk has been appointed president and CEO of Newell Rubbermaid, effective July 18. He succeeds Mark Ketchum, who is retiring but will remain a director until May 2012.

Ketchum announced in January his intention to retire after being recruited from the board five years ago to lead Newell Rubbermaid through its transformation into a marketing-driven company.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. disclosed in a Thursday filing that it plans to spin off its Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corp. business as a separate, publicly traded company.

NEW YORK — Walmart is working with Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program to create a new initiative that offers free dental screenings and oral health education to children in need living in the Dallas area.

By Margaret Kuchler, [email protected]

Two top merchandising executives from Wal-Mart Stores are scheduled to participate in the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s annual Executive Conference to be held Aug. 20 to 23 in Colorado Springs at the Broadmoor Resort.

TORONTO — Sears Canada has announced the appointment of Calvin McDonald as its president and CEO, effective immediately. McDonald most recently served as EVP, conventional division of Loblaw Companies Limited. He will succeed Dene Rogers, who has served as president and CEO of Sears Canada since 2006.