Marketing

Phoenix -- Leslie’s PoolMart will mark the grand opening of five retail locations on April 12. The stores are in Gold Canyon, Ariz., Madera, Calif., Torrance, Calif., West Springfield, Mass., and Magnolia, Texas.

In total, Leslie's plans to open 48 new stores this year between March and May. With these new stores and its recent acquisition of 24 Warehouse Pool Supply stores in the Houston area, Leslie's will bring its total store count to more than 800 stores nationwide.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Danish footwear brand, Ecco, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special deals and contests. Throughout the month of April, U.S. customers will enjoy special in-store displays, a Facebook sweepstakes starting today, and historical storytelling through the brand’s Tumblr blog.

NEW YORK — Macy's has announced the launch of its American Icons campaign, a cross-country tribute to the beloved traditions, people and landscapes of America. Macy's American Icons will officially kick-off in mid-May and extend through July. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NFL quarterback Cam Newton's collection for Belk is now available in 133 Belk stores and on Belk.com. This exclusive collection, MADE Cam Newton, offers fashion-forward, versatile, professional and sportswear apparel options for men.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Global work wear brand Dickies has launched Shop and Compare, the newest online tool that allows users to compare products side by side, saving time for on-the-go shoppers.

NEW YORK — Simon Kneen, creative director and EVP design for Banana Republic has been awarded a Doctor of Arts honoris causa from Kingston University in London, United Kingdom. A Kingston University graduate, Kneen was nominated and awarded for his 30-year commitment and success in the fashion and design industry. 

NEW YORK — Cache Inc., a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores, announced that Michael Price, managing partner of MFP Partners, L.P., Cache’s largest shareholder, has joined the board of directors. In addition, Charles Hinkaty, formerpresident and CEO of Del Laboratories Inc., has been appointed to the board. In connection with their appointments, Michael Price and Charles Hinkaty have been appointed to the nominating and governance committee and the compensation and plan administration committee of the oard.

New York -- Gander Mountain will open Gander Mtn. Firearms Super Center in Rogers, Minn., in late April. It will be the company's 12th store in the state, but its first dedicated to firearms.

Gander Mtn. Firearms Super Center will buy and sell a huge selection of used firearms and is staffed by firearms specialists on duty to give shoppers more one-on-one service.

Walmart’s chief merchant and chief marketing officers are headliners at an upcoming conference organized by the Center for Retailing Excellence within the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of business.

WASHINGTON — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has named Karin F.R. Moore as VP and general counsel.

“I am pleased to welcome Karin to the GMA team,” said GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey.  “Her legal skill and trade association management experience make her the logical choice for this position, and I am certain that she will provide great value to GMA and its member companies as we advance the association’s member-driven agenda.”