OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation on Thursday urged the Federal Trade Commission to move cautiously in establishing regulations for mobile payments, and said any rules that are adopted should parallel those for the underlying form of payment and not be specific to the technology.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Amidst allegations of involvement in a foreign bribery scandal, Wal-Mart Stores vice chairman Eduardo Castro-Wright has vacated his seat on the board of life insurer MetLife, according to a Tuesday announcement by Wal-Mart.

In a letter to MetLife CEO Steve Kandarian, Castro-Wright said that the recent events at Wal-Mart would require his “immediate and personal attention. Accordingly, I now must focus my energy in spending personal time with my family and in protecting my good name and business reputation.”

Bentonville, Ark. -- As part of its answer on Tuesday to a New York Times article regarding compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Wal-Mart Stores VP corporate communications David Tovar announced that the retailer had appointed a global officer to oversee compliance.

The move is just one of the steps that Tovar outlined toward managing issues related to the 1970s law that forbids bribing foreign officials.

Wal-Mart has not yet identified the person who will fill the slot, or when it will be activated.
 

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday that Frank J. Barbarino has been promoted to senior VP and general merchandise manager for the chain, effective April 15.

In his new role, Barbarino will continue to lead the Tailored Clothing Department and will add Sportswear and Furnishings to his responsibilities. He will oversee product design, manufacturing and sourcing, as well as all retailing of the company’s merchandise lines.

Barbarino was most recently VP for tailored clothing.

New York -- A Wednesday report by Reuters said that the Mexican federal comptroller’s office has given the go-ahead to open an investigation into allegations that Wal-Mart Mexico bribed officials to expand its business in the country.

"If wrongdoing attributable to federal public officials is detected, the federal government will take action," the office said.
 

Bentonville, Ark. -- In response to the New York Times article about compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Wal-Mart VP corporate communications, David Tovar on Tuesday made the following statement:

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation announced that Bill Thorne has been named senior VP communications and public affairs. He will join NRF on June 1 to oversee the organization’s industry and public affairs communications strategy. Thorne currently serves as senior director Community Affairs at Walmart Corp.

Port Washington, N.Y. -- Price trumps sales and special deals, customer service, and convenience as a factor in deciding where to shop for the majority of U.S. consumers, according to a survey by The NPD Group.