Management

Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh asked customers to refrain from bringing guns into its stores, even when local laws allow for it. Bergh posted an open letter to LinkedIn on Wednesday saying he was aware the move might anger some, but reassured isn't a political statement — it’s about safety. Bergh’s post comes just a…

With the holiday season upon us, the challenges retailers are facing aren't just about having enough of the right products stocked and ready. Often, the most pressing challenge is having enough staff on hand to service customers. An understaffed retail team causes customers to be underserved, so employers should do all they can to make sure their…

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked an Obama administration rule to extend mandatory overtime pay to more than 4 million salaried workers from taking effect, imperiling one of the outgoing president's signature achievements for boosting wages. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, in Sherman, Texas, agreed with 21 states and a coalition of business groups, including the…

Patagonia announced yesterday it will donate 100 percent of its Black Friday sales — estimated to be well over $2 million — to grassroots environmental groups. The donations will come from sales at both its 80 global stores and Patagonia.com on Black Friday. The move isn't entirely out of character for the brand. Patagonia already donates 1…

Diane von Furstenberg announced yesterday that CEO Paolo Riva is resigning, effective immediately. Riva was hired in April 2015 after a multiyear search for the brand's first chief executive. According to sources, the exit was Riva’s decision. The company had no comment regarding immediate plans to replace Riva. Total Retail’s Take: The exit of Riva is…

A smartphone app built to educate Wal-Mart employees on company policies has created a riff between the company and the labor group responsible for the app, OUR Wal-Mart. The app WorkIt debuted on Monday and gives users information on workplace rights at Wal-Mart. Employees enter questions in the WorkIt app, and current or former Wal-Mart employees…

Athletic apparel retailer New Balance is distancing itself from a white supremacist group's call to support it for statements a company executive made backing Republican President-Elect Donald Trump. The Chicago Tribune reports "…the alt-right website, The Daily Stormer, proclaimed Boston-based New Balance the ‘Official Shoes of White People’ this weekend after company vice president of public affairs…

Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen was a guest on CNBC on Friday and shared his optimism surrounding a Donald Trump presidency. Shares of Kroger have gained more than 6 percent over the past five days, which may indicate thus far that the Trump presidency could be good for the grocery chain. "What we're really excited about, and this would…

Risk and reward often go hand in hand. By taking bigger chances, you can usually expect a higher potential payoff. Unfortunately, this relationship doesn’t always hold true. When it comes to payment processing, for example, higher risks don’t translate to higher rewards — at least not for the merchant. There’s no corresponding benefit if your…

When it comes to holiday hiring, play the long game. Look for people who fulfill the immediate need, but also keep an eye out for people with the skills and competencies necessary to move up in your organization. That way, when a leadership position becomes available, you’ll have internal candidates at the ready. To quickly determine job fit, readiness and potential this holiday season, try adding assessments to your hiring process.