Marketing

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Walmart has unveiled its 100th solar-powered store on College Avenue in San Diego. By working with California-based SolarCity, the company’s focus on solar power has generated more than 3,000 contract construction jobs in California. In turn, SolarCity has hired 1,213 employees since announcing its first Walmart projects in September 2010. The San Mateo, Calif.-based company will install, manage, and maintain 70 of the 100 new solar power systems.

SEATTLE — Mercent, a technology company that enables retailers to profitably reach and convert more shoppers online, announced that it has appointed Jacqueline Borges as its VP partnerships.

Lowe’s made an offer, but Rona refused.

The two North American home improvement giants will continue to operate as competitors in Canada, where Lowe’s has been growing organically for the past several years amid rumors that just such an acquisition play was in the cards.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets reported that it's net income increased 12.7% to $23.2 million in net income while its earnings per share increased 11.7% to 86 cents per share, compared with 77 cents per share for the same period in 2011. Second quarter operating income increased 11.4% to $35.3 million.

Second quarter sales increased 0.1% to $677.1 million while comparable-store sales increased 0.4%.

DALLAS — Haggar Clothing, which makes casual and fine apparel for men, has promoted two executives to key positions within the company's merchandising and sales organizations. 

Nancy Dowling has been promoted to VP merchandising and design. She previously served for three years as the director of design for men's casual for the Haggar brand.  Under her direction, the brand has increased market share by over 16%, adding innovative new products and collections to the Haggar brand offering. 

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air has signed on as the exclusive major appliance sponsor of the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival.

This 2012 Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival will feature more than 50 events including wine seminars, unique dining experiences, and cooking demonstrations. The event will host more than 130 celebrated chefs and 200 acclaimed wineries, with proceeds raised benefiting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.

NEW YORK — Macy's has partnered with fashion designer, B. Michael, for the launch of his new collection, b michael America Red. Set to debut in ten Macy's locations across the country by Aug. 15.

"I am excited by the opportunity to share my point of view of Advanced American Style with a broader audience. We are especially pleased to have Macy's as the retailer to launch the collection -- the quintessential american department store."

Costco’s enhanced its ability to sell 3D televisions with the renewal and upgrade of a relationship with Premium Retail Networks (PRN).

Under the new agreement, PRN’s upgraded in-store media HDTV Network will provide Costco warehouses with a dedicated 3D content channel to support Costco’s 3D consumer electronics education initiatives. PRN is further integrating its HDTV Network platform with Costco’s technology infrastructure to support a wider range of media formats.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that Dale Talde, celebrity chef and owner of Talde and the soon-to-be opened Pork Slope Restaurant, both in New York, joins the Sam's Club Simply Delicious Chef Brigade to help families serve up healthy, restaurant-quality meals in their own backyard.

Veteran consumer packaged goods executive Phil Dolci was named president and CEO of airgun manufacturer Crosman.

The Rocherster, NY-based company is the leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of products for the shooting sports under the Crosman, Benjamin, Centerpoint, Precision Optics, Game Face and Undead Apocalypse brands.