Marketing

President Obama in his State of the Union address last night said he plans to sign an executive order increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour for workers on new government contracts and asked Congress to approve the same increase for all workers — and the National Retail Federation is not happy.

NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay issued a response ahead of the president’s address.

Herman G. Rowland Sr., Chairman of the Board for Jelly Belly Candy Co., is the recipient of the first ISM Lifetime Achievement Award.

ISM, a trade show of confectionery and snack products, honored Rowland with the show's first award to kick off this year's show.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. said it has completed its acquisition of Harris Teeter Supermarkets for about $2.5 billion. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Harris Teeter shareholders will receive $49.38 per share of Harris Teeter common stock.

New York -- Modell’s Sporting Goods has deployed cutting-edge technology in its Times Square flagship to welcome Super Bowl XLVIII fans. The sporting goods retailer has installed a virtual image of CEO Mitchell Modell to personally greet customers. The image is provided via Tensator’s “Virtual Assistant” digital signage solution, which creates the illusion of a real person.
 

Orlando, Fla. — Ruth’s Chris Steak House has opened a new location in Denver — in the historic Denver Dry Goods Building. The contemporary space spans nearly 10,000 sq. ft. and boasts a grand lounge, three private event rooms, a dining room and a state-of-the-art kitchen anchored by Ruth’s Chris’ signature and proprietary 1,800-degree broiler.

Ruth’s Chris is the largest upscale steak house company in the world, with nearly 140 restaurant locations around the globe.

Fort Worth, Texas -- McAlister's Deli has partnered with Buxton to identify the best market opportunities for continued growth. Buxton's restaurant expertise and Scout platform will allow McAlister's to quantify growth potential and optimize locations of new and existing restaurants.

Crest has launched Be, a new line of toothpastes that features three new flavors: Mint Chocolate Trek, Vanilla Mint Spark and Lime Spearmint Zest.

Chico's FAS is gearing up to launch its brand in Mexico through an exclusive franchise with El Puerto de Liverpool. The company’s expansion in Mexico will begin with a stand-alone boutique opening at Perisur Mall, Mexico City, in spring this year.