Lee Scott said what?, Another tax loophole closes for Wal-Mart, FTC tells Whole Foods to rebrand Wild Oats, Trader John's

Image via WikipediaYesterday Lee Scott addressed the National Retail Federation in New York City, urging cooperation to solve the nations health care crisis.

Lee Scott, the outgoing chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, asked business leaders to embrace such initiatives as universal health care, renewable energy and immigration reform during a presentation to attendees at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show here yesterday.

He [Lee Scott], also sees a new consumer mindset.

Local retailers throughout China are teaming up to battle Wal-Mart.

Another Wal-Mart Tax loophole may come to an end, this time in West Virginia.

The UFCW is gearing up for their Wal-Mart battle in Canada.

More info on Wal-Mart's new private label line "the Wal-Mart Great Value line"

And if that's not enough Wal-Mart news, they're also on the verge of setting up shop in Russia.

The FTC asks Whole Foods to re-brand Wild Oats.

Whole Foods is also putting off another store, this time in New Hampshire.

Wegman's CEO recognized for 'business ethics'

AdAge brings up a great point regarding the Trader Joe's, Trader John's lawsuit. "But in New York, no one's afraid to blatantly copy and/or steal a good idea -- hence Ray's Original Pizza, Ray's Pizza, Famous Ray's Original Pizza, Original Famous Ray's Pizza, New York's Rayriginal's Fizza, etc"

Progressive Grocer picked up the story also.

Food Marketing Institute’s new president and chief executive officer said the association is working diligently on a range of issues with Congress and the incoming Obama administration.

Politics

Caroline Kennedy still has a shot at the Senate seat says Governor Patterson.

Tom Suozzi met with Patterson on the Senate seat.

Anthony Weiner blames Mayor Bloomberg for New York City's growing problems, specifically the "boom-and-bust planning"

Democrats, first time in control of the State Senate since 1965 made some moves yesterday.

Elsewhere

A battle is raging on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where CVS is wooing cash-strapped shoppers with house-brand anti-wrinkle cream that’s as much as 30 percent cheaper than L’Oreal SA’s Advanced Revitalift.

Buying online to avoid sales taxes could end soon.

Zoo's and Aquariums may face the ax here.

Do the Rockerfeller Drug laws need reform?