Topic: Bentonville

Cash mobs: a new boost for local business?

Saturday is International Cash Mob Day. Like flash mobs, cash mobs use social media to organize. But they don't perform, they spend money at a targeted local business. 

International Women's Day: Meet the 10 richest women

The day before International Women's Day, Forbes magazine released its annual billionaires list for 2012 headed, predictably, by men. But this year, 14 of the richest 100 were women. In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s a countdown of the Top 10, a list that includes a few mining tycoons, a media mogul, and a pair of Wal-Mart heiresses. Which wealthy woman snagged the top spot?

Black Friday violence: Competitive shopping's troubling new edge

Some Black Friday shoppers have been cutting in line, grabbing carts, coming to blows, and wielding pepper spray. What the Black Friday hunt for the perfect Christmas present says about the shopper within.

Health care benefits: Wal-Mart scales back

Health care benefits scaled back for future part-time Wal-Mart employees. Current full-time Wal-Mart workers will also pay more for health care benefits, particularly smokers.

Wal-Mart aims for change with multibillion-dollar initiative to help women

Wal-Mart announced Wednesday that it will spend $20 billion on goods and services from US businesses owned by women. Other expenditures and projects are in the works as well.

Credit cards from Wal-Mart: 10 cents off on gas this summer

Credit cards, gift cards from the retailer earn the per-gallon discount at its gas stations in 18 states. The discount for Wal-Mart credit cards lasts through Sept. 30.

Is the Broad Superintendents Academy trying to corporatize schools?

Created in 2002 by billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad, the Broad Superintendents Academy has come under fire by critics who say that it is hostile to teachers. Defenders of the program say that its fellows graduate with a variety of viewpoints.

Designing for dignity

Moshe Safdie's success doesn't distract from his desire to create habitats that fit cities – and honor the individual.

Wal-Mart uncertainty rises with gas prices

Wal-Mart is in a bright spot, for now. But Wal-mart is concerned that high gas prices will cause customers to spend less.

On back-to-school weekend, bargains abound online

Traditional back-to-school shopping is under way, and this year the average family is expected to spend $606 on back-to-school supplies.

Medical marijuana user sues Walmart over firing

Medical marijuana user in Michigan has sued Walmart for firing him because he tested positive for the drug.

Wal-Mart to pay nearly $28 million in California toxic waste case

Wal-Mart will pay $27.6 million to settle a lawsuit in California.

Wal-Mart to pay $27.6M in California dumping case

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay $27.6 million to settle allegations that it improperly handled and dumped hazardous waste at stores across California, prosecutors said Monday.

Onetime foes, companies and activists find ways to cooperate

Companies and activists are partnering on environmental, health, and other issues. Labor initiatives are more problematic.

Blind recall: How to check if your shades are safe

In the midst of a huge recall of blinds and Roman shades, here's how to check if the blind recall applies to you.

On Black Friday sales 2009, can Amazon compete with Wal-Mart?

Retailers are pulling out all the stops for Black Friday 2009. But can anyone compete with Wal-Mart?

Wal-Mart takes the lead in green retailing. (Yes, that Wal-Mart.)

Wal-Mart expanding in US, Russia. Is it the new GM?

Job hunting? This week's unusual openings.

United Airlines to charge passengers for 2nd checked bag

The airline announced that it will charge $25 to check a second piece of luggage for domestic travel.