RETAILING

Retailers Charged With Sales Fraud: Stephen Gardner, a former assistant Texas attorney general, has filed legal papers declaring his plans to sue Wal-Mart Stores, Toys R Us and the Target store unit of Dayton-Hudson for alleged sales fraud. Gardner, who is now engaged in a private practice in Dallas, is accusing the companies of selling returned merchandise as new and unused. Gardner filed a notice of intent to sue the three retailers under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which requires prospective plaintiffs to notify defendants before filing suit. Target has said it prohibits such practices. Toys R Us and Wal-Mart have not yet responded to the claims.