Marketing

Protests by organized labor failed to materialize in a meaningful way at Walmart stores over the weekend and the retailer went on to achieve record results.

New York -- Baccarat is set to unveil their newest flagship store in New York City in May 2013 ahead of the iconic brand's upcoming 250th anniversary.

Located at 635 Madison Avenue at 60th Street, the 2,800-sq.-ft. store -- designed by Rafael de Cardenas -- will be a new global retail model for the brand, showcasing tableware, lighting, decorative objects and jewelry to reflect the richness of the Baccarat lifestyle and the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Office Depot, Apple, Barnes & Noble, eBay, Limited Brands, Nordstrom, Sears, Staples and Target were among a record 252 businesses on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2013 Corporate Equality Index.

The top retailers earned the top rating of 100% as well as the recognition of being among the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” A decade ago, in the HRC’s first index, only 13 businesses earned a 100% rating.

Whatever your political views may be, it’s hard not to think about the impact of the recent presidential election on the consumer psyche, and ultimately our industry. Whether President Obama or Mitt Romney would have been better for the economy in the long run is an issue I’ll gladly leave to the political experts and historians. But I do think that, in the near term, we are less likely to see the big holiday spending numbers that some analysts were predicting.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — The LeapPad2 has received 20 awards from U.S. organizations that include Dr. Toy, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Parents' Choice Foundation and Time to Play, as well as key awards in the U.K. and Canada, according to LeapFrog Enterprises. It has been selected as a top toy by more children, parenting and industry experts and retailers than any other kid’s tablet, rendering it the most recognized kid's tablet of the year leading into the holiday season.

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — Italian food company Barilla has partnered with the U.S. Ski Team's Mikaela Shiffrin, who will don the Barilla logo on her helmet.

The 17-year-old recently secured third place at the slalom in Levi, Finland, and is considered a serious contender for the World Cup Nov. 24, in Aspen, Colo., as well as the 2014 Olympic games to be held in Sochi, Russia.

Wesley Chapel, Fla. -- RMC Property Group said it has been awarded the exclusive leasing assignment for Meadow Pointe, a 17,280-sq.-ft. neighborhood retail center situated within a 1,800-acre residential community in the fast-growing Wesley Chapel market.   

Meadow Pointe is located adjacent to a CVS Pharmacy and has retail space opportunities ranging from 1,200 sq. ft. to 10,500 sq. ft.

WATERBURY, Vt. — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has named former P&G and Coca-Cola executive Brian Kelley as its new president and CEO, effective Dec. 3.