Marketing

New York City -- Macy’s announced it plans to spend about $400 million over the next four years to remodel and update its legendary store at Herald Square in Manhattan.

As part of the project, the store’s space will be expanded by 100,000-sq.-ft., giving it a total of 1.2 million sq. ft. of selling space. The additional space will result from opening up space currently used for stock and offices and extending the mezzanine level in the Broadway Building.

By Chris Blees, amaaonline.com

It has been proven in past economic downturns that companies that invest heavily in the right kinds of marketing and strategic planning are the ones that will capitalize the most on the situation and likely thrive when the market turns around.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Earth911, an organization that gathers, distributes and analyzes localized recycling information to assist manufacturers, organizations and consumers with product end-of-life solutions, announced that Patricia Kimball, Ph.D., has joined the company as VP retail strategy group.

“Her understanding and experience with implementing end-of-life solutions is directly relevant to Earth911’s corporate mission and goals. We’re thrilled to have Patty join our team of experts.”

Kansas City, Mo. -- H&R Block said it will provide tax preparation services in an estimated 300 Wal-Mart locations nationwide beginning in December.

“This new partnership with the world's largest retailer allows us to serve more customers at times and locations that fit their busy lifestyles,” said H&R Block president and CEO Bill Cobb.

H&R Block will offer its products and services at its kiosks in Wal-Mart.
 

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods will officially mark its entry into the state of Oklahoma on Nov. 2, with the opening of two stores in Tulsa, and one store in Broken Arrow.

In other news, Dick’s will open at Premier Center, Canton, Mich., on Nov. 2, and at Waters Place, Ann Arbor, Mich., on Nov. 4.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us holiday plans mix technology, QR codes and retro ads that speak to the company’s heritage.

As part of its 2011 holiday advertising campaign, the chain will air a series of themed television commercials designed to showcase the company's toy expertise and its strengths as a specialty retailer. The commercials include two ads from its archives which celebrate the heritage of the brand. Another group of ads feature products exclusive to Toys“R”Us.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has appointed a new senior director of regional marketing.

In his new role, Darrell Johnson will work with brand marketing, trade marketing activation and the regional marketing directors to develop a strategy and process for local programming that ensures consistent execution against national brand strategy at the local level, the company said.

Johnson will report to Heineken VP trade marketing and sales strategy Kheri Tillman.

New York City -- Iconix Brand Group said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Sharper Image brand and intellectual property assets for $65.6 million in cash.

Iconix purchased Sharper Image from a joint venture led by Gordon Brothers Group, Hilco Consumer Capital, and Bluestar Alliance. Sharper Image products are sold nationwide at department and specialty stores and direct to consumer through the Sharper Image catalog and e-commerce website, sharperimage.com

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax's sales were down for the third quarter, but the company managed to deliver higher net income growth during a period of executive transitions and a tough economy.

OfficeMax announced that total sales were $1.8 billion in the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of 2.1% from the third quarter of 2010.  For the third quarter of 2011, OfficeMax reported net income of $21.5 million, or 25 cents per diluted share, compared with $20 million, or 23 cents per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2010.  

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A down economy means people are less likely to buy new cars, which means they will need to take care of the ones they do have, and that's good news for companies like O'Reilly Automotive, which reported sales and earnings growth for the third quarter.