Associations

New York City -- According to a special national consumer poll commissioned by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs, 31% of households plan to shop on Black Friday in 2010 compared with 26% in 2009. However, the strongest driver of Black Friday shopping is children, as 43% of households with kids are planning to shop on that day. Additionally, 37% of households reported that they plan to shop on the Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving.

MINNEAPOLIS - Target announced that it is launching a month-long anti-smoking campaign in connection with the American Cancer Society's 2010 Great American Smokeout to support guests and team members in their efforts to quit smoking.

ARLINGTON, Va. The Retail Industry Leaders Association has announced the addition of long-time Capitol Hill veteran Doug Thompson as VP government affairs.

Thompson has spent the last 21 years as an aide to Congressman John Tanner (D-TN), serving as Legislative Director for the past 17 years.