CostCo

In many cases, bad customer service isn't caused by negligent or incompetent employees. The fault lies with their bosses, and the policies they put in place that undermine the employee-customer relationship.

Call it conscious capitalism or just good business, but these five companies have all prospered in every measure over the last decade by doing good for their employees, suppliers, customers or the general public.

Brand loyalty: It's why we buy a lot of what we buy, and any company that sells anything is striving to induce that feeling in its potential customers. Last week, research consultancy Brand Keys revealed which American companies do it best.

Let's go over some of the items that will help shape the Wall Street week that lies ahead: A host of retailers are reporting earnings; we'll see how Disney's 24 Leap Day event plays out; a test for homemade soda; and a wake-up call for DreamWorks.

Walgreens, the nation's largest pharmacy chain unveiled a new flagship store in Chicago that re-imagines the drugstore experience. Among the "unexpected" new offerings: fresh sushi, salon services, more than 700 fine wines and a juice bar. But will we really buy wine with our aspirin?

On Tuesday, Sears Holdings announced it would close as many as 120 Sears and Kmart stores after a holiday sales season in which it fell flat on its face. What Sears really needs is a new image -- an idea that will lure shoppers back. Could "Made in the USA" be it?

From Nov. 1 until Christmas, Walmart says it will match prices with its rivals retroactively. Buy now, and if anyone advertises an identical product for a better price, go back to Walmart and claim a refund for the difference. But of course there's a catch -- more than one, in fact.

On Friday, Walmart announced it was rolling back is health benefits for part-time workers -- benefits that the nation's largest employer expanded just a few years ago in response to criticism of its labor practices. And even the lucky few employees who get to keep their coverage aren't going to like the new plan much.

Consumers shelled out an estimated $2.32 billion on shampoo last year, and $1.71 billion on conditioner. But caring for your crowning glory shouldn't cost you a king's ransom. Here are four easy ways to save on this frequent purchase.

Winning isn't just about outscoring your opponent or exceeding the next quarter's goals; it's about doing what's in the long-term best interests of all your fellow stakeholders. With some notable exceptions, business leaders are focused only on short-term gains. We need to demand better.