National Retail Federation (NRF)

WASHINGTON - Big retailers Wal-Mart, Safeway, and Circuit City are among the latest to join the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Network (LERPnet) -- the only national database designed to bring local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and retailers together.

WASHINGTON -- Retailers can expect to see a surge in gift card sales this holiday season, according to the fourth annual National Retail Federation (NRF) Gift Card Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. This year's survey estimated that gift card sales will total $24.81 billion this holiday season, a $6 billion increase over 2005.

WASHINGTON -- Retailers can expect to see a surge in gift card sales this holiday season, according to the fourth annual National Retail Federation (NRF) Gift Card Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. This year's survey estimated that gift card sales will total $24.81 billion this holiday season, a $6 billion increase over 2005.

Washington, D.C. -- A group of 18 national associations, many based here, have come together to launch a Web site -- http://www.bestfoodnation.com -- "dedicated to communicating accurate information" about the industry in answer to a controversial new book that slaps industry practices.

NEW YORK -- Following are several retail newsmakers from National Retail Federation's 95th Annual Convention & EXPO, held here this week:

WASHINGTON -- With gift cards ranking third on consumers' wish lists this year, there is no sign that the popularity of the products is slowing down, according to the findings of the latest National Retail Federation (NRF) survey. The third annual NRF Gift Card Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found that gift card sales will total $18.48 billion this holiday season, a 6.6 percent increase over 2004, when holiday gift card sales hit $17.34 billion. The average consumer will spend $88.03 on gift cards this holiday season, 15.6 percent of their holiday gift budget.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - In a bid to "help preserve associate integrity," Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday that it would institute a new policy of background checks for all new employees at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations, effective next month.

Retailers continue their search for equitable employee benefits amid a national health care crisis.