Consumer and retail news: 10 things you need to know today

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1. The Department of Justice is investigating Blue Bell Creameries The DOJ is faced with the challenge of determining when and what Blue Bell executives actually knew about the bad inspection reports, and why they apparently chose to ignore them. Blue Bell Creamery has not responded to reports of the criminal inquiry.

2. The US bans soaps, bodywashes, and toothpastes containing a harmful ingredient

The US just approved a bill banning soaps, toothpastes, and bodywashes that contain tiny plastic particles called microbeads. The problem with microbeads is simple: They don't dissolve, instead entering water streams by the billions.

3. Weight Watchers stock spiked 18%

Weight Watchers shares spiked Wednesday after the company's first advertisement featuring Oprah Winfrey was released online. The stock closed up 18.8% at $22.58.

4. McDonald's is fixing the biggest flaw on its menu

The worst item available at McDonald's this year from an investor's perspective was actually an entire menu: the Dollar Menu and More.

5. Chick-fil-A had a brilliant response to customers’ devastation over menu changes

Chick-fil-A is cutting cole slaw from its menu in January, and some customers are furious about the change. To appease angry customers, Chick-fil-A has decided to share the recipe for its slaw, which has been kept private for more than 70 years.

6. The hottest Xbox accessory this holiday won't return to stores until March 2016

Price was not a concern, apparently, for Xbox One fans this holiday. The console's $150 "Elite" gamepad was sold out everywhere and remains as such until March 2016.

7. A mother is thanking Target after workers pretended to coordinate with Santa

Michele Downing Berg wrote on the retail chain’s Facebook wall to thank employees for helping keep the magic of Christmas alive for her daughter. The post has since received more than 420,000 likes, as well as thousands of shares and comments. 

8. The beer industry is going through seismic changes that are impacting how America drinks

The beer industry is changing — and it’s going to impact what you’re sipping on in the new year. Its growth has sparked countless new trends, including gluten-free beer and D.I.Y. brews.

9. The top 50 franchises of 2015

Entrepreneur.com recently compiled a list of the top franchises in 2015 based on their Franchise 500 score. A few of the franchises that made the list are McDonald's, Great Clips, and Jazzercise.

10. This retail strategy has one huge problem

Everlane has been advertising a bizarre sale — one in which consumers could choose from three prices. Buy the highest price, and Everlane would get a good chunk of money to fuel its continual growth and pay its employees. Buy the middle price, and Everlane would get a small slice. Buy the lowest price, and Everlane would get nothing.