Hao Kuo Chi was paying a house call when Sarah Vasquez says he set his camera phone up in the bathroom, left it running, and recorded her bathing.
Retail Services
New York City Comptroller Requests Investigation Into Walmart Spying Operation
By 4.11.07
In letters to both agencies, Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., citing a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, said he was “particularly troubled by reports that Wal-Mart engaged in chilling and truly outrageous surveillance activities.”
6 Reasons To Plant A Shrub This Weekend
By 4.11.07
Shrubs can be a cheap (if you buy ’em small) and easy way to add dynamics to your home’s exterior. Here’s what a shrub can do:
Best Buy: 2 Years 3 Months And 17 Days Later, The TV Is Still Not Installed
By 4.11.07
In the ensuing months, through May 2005 and up until the present, three separate installation companies hired and retained by Best Buy to deliver and install the purchased goods made some effort to install the Morris’ home theater, including: National Installation Company, K.A.T. Communications, and Digital Technology, Inc.,” the suit says.
What Is Mandatory Binding Arbitration?
By 4.11.07
Chances are, you own a product or subscribe to a service you agreed to “binding arbitration” once you purchased it. But what is it?
BoA Buys MBNA, Starts Charging Customers Extra For Not Paying Balances Off In Full
By 4.11.07
Bank of America recently bought MBNA and greeted their new customers by charging them a new fee.
Walmart Granted Gag Order Against Former Spy
By 4.10.07
The suit and restraining order were filed two days after Wal-Mart apologized to activist shareholders for Gabbard’s revelation that they were considered potential threats and ahead of a story in Monday’s editions of the Wall Street Journal on Gabbard’s claim that Wal-Mart had a super-secret “Project Red” aimed at bolstering its stagnant share price.
Reclaim Unnecessary Credit Cards' Unnecessary Foreign Transaction Fees
By 4.10.07
Several major credit card companies were successfully and recently class-actioned for charging unnecessary fees for overseas transactions.
80% Of Geek Squad Employees Say They Don't Use Anti-Static Wrist Straps
By 4.9.07
56% of Geek Squad employees responding to a poll on a company online forum said they found “no reason” to use anti-static wrist straps when repairing customer’s computers.
Walmart Pulls Tainted Pet Food By Day, Restocks It By Night
By 4.7.07
Walmart is recalling tainted pet food during the day, only to restock it again at night. This egregious display of corporate ineptitude was detailed to The News & Observer by Walmart merchandise supervisor, Johnnie Walker.
Walker said he had removed the products earlier in the week, but clerks restocked the shelves overnight, unaware that the pet food had been recalled. “At night they didn’t know better,” Walker said. “It’s just confusing.”
Though the pet food recall has expanded to over 100 brands, Walmart has been unable to implement a recall strategy that extends beyond blocking the purchase of tainted items at the register. If your pet wants food, consider shopping somewhere other than Walmart. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
15 Ways Stores Try To Trick You Into Buying Too Much Stuff
By 4.6.07
1. Don’t use a shopping cart unless you need it. A shopping cart, most of the time, is just a place to put stuff you don’t need. If you’re carrying it, you’re a lot more likely to consider whether or not it’s a worthwhile purchase.
Verizon Beats Cingular/AT&T To Become Nation's Largest Wireless Carrier
By 4.5.07
“Verizon became the new market leader in terms of total direct retail subscribers/customers, with a total of 56.8 million, against 56.3 million for Cingular,” said IDC’s Julien Blin in a statement.
Meanwhile, Sprint is losing customers due to its general ineptitude. —MEGHANN MARCO
Walmart Disney Princesses Easter Basket Recalled For Choking Hazard
By 4.5.07
A Disney Princesses Easter basket sold exclusively at Walmart has been recalled by the CPSC today. The silver beads and ribbons attached to the basket can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Parents can return the basket to Walmart for a full refund.
