Marketing

The art and science of researching how shoppers decide is at a crossroad.  The  shopper insights discipline originally developed when retailers began saying to CPG manufacturers that they have a thorough understanding of behavioral data and its findings, but lack a genuine grasp of how their customers and non-customers think and the “why” that drives that behavior.

NEW YORK — TV star, entrepreneur and bestselling author Sandra Lee has entered into a direct-to-retail license agreement with Sears Holdings for home products. The exclusive collection of home products, Sandra by Sandra Lee, will be available in Sears and Kmart stores in spring 2012. The initial launch of the collection will include cookware, utensils, gadgets, bakeware, small kitchen appliances and tabletop items. 

NEW YORK -- A good reputation -- whether warranted or not -- can do a lot for a company's bottom line. So those companies that found themselves at the top of Forbes' most reputable companies list have much to celebrate.

New York City -- Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren’s compensation package dipped 8% in 2010 to nearly $11.8 million, according to an analysis by The Associated Press.

Lundgren received a salary of $1.5 million in 2010, the same as the year before. The stock awards he received were valued at $3.6 million when they were granted, about a 50% rise over what he received the year before, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW announced Tuesday that it has named Roger Rawlins senior VP and general manager of DSW.com, and has named Jennie Wilson to the position of senior VP of finance and controller of the company.

According to the shoe retailer, both appointments are designed to support long-term strategic growth initiatives for the company.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- HSN announced that Mitchell Hara has been appointed SVP corporate strategy/M&A, a newly created position, effective immediately.  He will report directly to Judy Schmeling, CFO of HSNi.

In his new position, Hara will assist with the overall corporate strategy, identifying and developing new strategic initiatives and leading the strategic planning process for the company.  He will also evaluate and oversee potential strategic partnerships and transactions. 

WAYNE, N.J. – Toys“R”Us announced that it has named the former head of one of the world's largest toy companies to serve as president of its U.S. business. Neil Friedman, who most recently served as president Mattel Brands, will now oversee all merchandising, marketing, store operations, merchandise presentation, global sourcing and product development, as well as merchandise planning and allocation for Toys"R"Us' 866 stores and online business in the United States.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Sundial has announced that Walgreens has become the exclusive national drug store retail partner for its SheaMoisture hair care line and will carry the products on shelf and online, beginning April 1.

"We are very excited to launch our newest collection at Walgreens," stated Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO of Sundial Creations, maker of SheaMoisture. "They have been a key partner in the growth of our business and we are enthusiastic about bringing organic hair care products to such a broad consumer base."

Target Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) has partnered with the Kellogg Company to become a primary sponsor on the number 10 Indy car driven by Dario Franchitti, winner of last week’s Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and a three-time Izod IndyCar Series champ.

Franchitti will pilot the number 10 Kellogg’s Honda Dallara for TCGR in round four of the Izod IndyCar Series in Brazil at the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle on May 1 and in round 14 at the Baltimore Grand Prix on Sept. 4.

The 2011 edition of Interbrand’s Best Retail Brands report again lists Target in the second position with a value of $23.3 billion in between number-one-ranked Walmart at $142 billion and third-ranked Home Depot at $20.3 billion.