Legal
Wal-Mart Watch, a union-funded group that advocates for Wal-Mart Stores' workers, said Justice Antonin Scalia should disqualify himself when the U.S. Supreme Court considers the companyโs bid to derail a gender-bias suit on behalf of potentially one million employees.
Amazon said it's severing ties with affiliates in Illinois, citing a law signed that imposes taxes on consumers who make online purchases. The affiliates โ websites that send customers to Amazon through links โ will no longer be paid for sales that result from the referrals, Seattle-based Amazon said in an email.
A group called Alliance for Main Street Fairness argues that by failing to collect sales taxes, online retailers like Amazon have an unfair advantage over brick-and-mortar stores that's costing jobs, killing businesses and contributing to state budget deficits.
San Francisco's mayor says the city has reached a $4.25 million settlement with Office Depot over allegations that the company overcharged for office supplies. Mayor Edwin Lee signed a Board of Supervisors resolution authorizing the settlement, which includes a $3.75 million payment and a $500,000 purchasing credit.
American Apparel has issued a statement responding to the allegations that founder Dov Charney forced a teenage employee into sex. The former employee's civil suit is asking for $250 million from the struggling company.
Skechers USA has sued Sears Holdings Corp., alleging that the chain was selling footwear that infringed on some of Skechers' brands, including its toning Shape-ups line.
Sears Holdings has joined other retailers, including Barnes & Noble, in inviting Amazon.com affiliates to work with its brand following Amazon's response to recent legislation related to collected taxes on e-commerce purchases.
Family Dollar Stores said its board rejected a takeover bid by an activist investor, saying it "substantially undervalues the company." In February, Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund offered $55 to $60 per share for Family Dollar.
Discount retailer Loehmann's said it's emerged from bankruptcy protection, which it sought in November after its Dubai government-linked owner failed to reach a debt-extension deal with creditors.