[HSBC insisted the bank is not to blame for the security breach.] This is not an issue with our card, ... It's an issue with the retailer.

The issue is the insensitivity to the victims. We're not taking a stand pro or con on capital punishment, but we felt these ads were inappropriate; they open a lot of old wounds. Sears firmly felt that this kind of a campaign was not consistent with what Sears stands for.

In the 15-year history of negotiating contracts with UPS, this is the first time we have requested a release from mediation.