Legal

Hermes Sues Over Copied Design
February 1, 2011

Thursday Friday, an accessories company, is being sued by Hermes for copying its Birkin bag design. We're not talking about replica handbags here — we're talking about a picture of the Birkin bag itself.

China Fines Wal-Mart For Overpricing
January 27, 2011

China said it's fining Wal-Mart and Carrefour stores up to $75,900 for overpricing, expressing concerns about price inflation ahead of the impending Lunar New Year holiday. A statement posted on the National Development and Reform Commission website listed about a dozen stores across the country that engaged in overpricing, noting high charges on items ranging from underwear to dumpling powder.

Retailers Say Item Pricing Adds $2.2B to Costs
January 26, 2011

Michigan retailers took aim at the state's strict item-pricing law, releasing a study that concludes the regulation adds $2.2 billion to retail costs without providing tangible benefits to consumers.

Lush's Hacked Website Costs its Customers
January 25, 2011

The security of online payment has been put under the spotlight with the news that the Lush.co.uk e-commerce website has been taken down following attacks by hackers. Experts say it seems the site was "riddled with vulnerabilities."

Amazon Fights Sales Taxes in Tennessee
January 25, 2011

To persuade Amazon.com to build a distribution hub in Tennessee, state and local officials offered a package of economic incentives that included free land, job-training assistance and more than $12 million in property tax breaks.

Amazon Sues Texas Over Uncollected Sales Tax Issue
January 20, 2011

Four months after Texas officials told Amazon.com Inc. that it owes $269 million in uncollected sales taxes, the online retail giant has filed a lawsuit demanding that the comptroller's office release the audit information it used in arriving at that amount.

Following Bankruptcy Filing, Anchor Blue Closing All Stores
January 19, 2011

After more than 30 years as a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories for the teenage and young adult markets, Anchor Blue is closing all 117 stores. Store-closing sales began on Jan. 7 and will continue until all merchandise and store fixtures are sold.

J.Crew Set to Go Private, No Rival Bids Placed
January 19, 2011

J.Crew received no rival bid during a solicitation period and will stick with its nearly $3 billion buyout offer made by two private equity firms in November, according to Reuters. J.Crew agreed to be taken private by the two firms.