Marketing

STAMFORD, Conn. -- WWE and Vivendi Entertainment announced that Walmart will be the exclusive retailer for WWE Studios’ films. Vivendi Entertainment will continue to be WWE’s North American retail and rental distribution partner. 

BOSTON — Beers that were highlighted in Samuel Adams' annual homebrew contest last year now are available in a six-pack.

The company said that the 2011 Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest - Category 23 Variety six-pack has hit store shelves. The variety pack includes two bottles each of Richard Roper's Friar Hop Ale, Rodney Kibzey's Blackened Hops, and Caitlin DeClercq's Honey B's Lavender Wheat, which all were named winners in Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest in 2010.

Orlando, Fla. -- Jones Lang LaSalle said Tuesday it has appointed Carson Good to lead the firm’s retail capital market business throughout Florida.

City of Industry, Calif. -- Hot Topic announced Monday that CEO Betsy McLaughlin has resigned the company, effectively immediately, and will be replaced by current board member Lisa Harper.

The move came two weeks after the company announced a fourth-quarter net loss, reversing a profit from a year ago, as revenue slipped by 1%.

According to the retailer, McLaughlin will continue to assist in the transition over the next three months.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal announced Monday that it has hired Ken Seipel as president and COO, effective March 28.

Seipel will report to CEO Susan P. McGalla.

Seipel was previously president and chief merchandise/marketing officer of Pamida Discount Stores LLC, a regional general merchandise discount retailer. Prior to that, he was executive VP of stores, operations and store design for the Old Navy division of Gap.

Toronto -- Canadian discounter The Bargain Shops said Tuesday it has hired Beryl Jack Buley, former division president of Dollar General Corp., as its CEO.

The retailer said it is prepping for Target Corp.’s takeover of former Zellers stores across Canada in two years, which could shift some of Bargain Shop customers over to Target.

According to an Associated Press report, however, Buley said he is not worried about the impending competition from Target, saying that “enormous opportunity” remains in Canada.

New York City -- Dollar General Corp. reported Tuesday that its fourth quarter profit more than doubled over last year, boosted by increasing sales and traffic. The discounter generated a higher-than-expected profit of $222.5 million for the quarter ended Jan. 28, up from $87.2 million in the year-ago period. The company also gave a full-year forecast that topped analysts’ estimates.

Sales increased 9.4% to $3.49 billion, and same-store sales rose 3.8%.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has made a $500,000 donation to Save the Children to assist with Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

“When disaster strikes, Target listens and acts quickly to provide meaningful support to people in need,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO, Target. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and we hope our donation will aid in the country’s recovery.”

NEW YORK -- VF Corp., whose stable of banners includes Vans and The North Face, announced an aggressive growth, including plans to open 400 U.S. stores across its various brands during the next five years. The company discussed these plans and more at an investor conference held recently in New York City.

In addition to the U.S. expansion, VF is looking to open some 225 stores in Europe and 80 in Asia. The expansion is expected to bring the company’s global store count to 1,500 units.

Retail is a hard enough business without muddying the waters with all sorts of activities that have nothing to do with selling stuff shoppers want and need. To recap, Target gave some money to a homophobic politician who a lot of people thought was a jerk, which created an uprising in the gay and lesbian community and resulted in the company adopting a new policy to govern the political contribution process.