Marketing

New York City -- Strategic branding firm Graj + Gustavsen said Monday that it has been retained by Brooks Bros. to consult on the apparel retailer’s branding initiatives.

According to Lou Amendola, chief merchandising officer for Brooks Bros., “We are excited to be working with the team at Graj + Gustavsen. Their deep expertise in consumer brand positioning and insight into market trends made them the ideal partner as we continue to explore brand building opportunities for Brooks Bros.”

Rebecca Van Dyck was named global chief marketing officer of the Levi’s brand where she will be responsible for the development and implementation of fully integrated marketing strategies across all of the Levi's brand's product categories and consumer communication channels. Dyck joins the company from Apple Inc. where she led the worldwide marketing and communications strategies for some of the world's most well-known and admired product launches, including introducing the iPhone, iPad and iPod + iTunes.

Pompano Beach, Fla. -- Winn Dixie Stores has contracted Green Secure Solutions to clean, sanitize and protect shopping carts, hand baskets, handicap carts, food trays and other equipment at the grocer’s 484 stores.

NEW YORK — EcoTools, an earth-friendly bath and beauty products brand, has made its way to Walmart.

Last month, a variety of EcoTools cosmetic brushes lined the shelves of Walmart stores throughout the country. EcoTools also introduced the EcoTools everyday collection 6-piece brush set exclusively at Walmart. The collection, which comes in a hemp case, includes an angled blush brush, an angle eyeliner brush, concealer brush, eye shading brush and detailer/lip brush. The 6-piece set retails for $10.98.

ATLANTA -- The Home Depot announced that Bill Lennie has been named president, The Home Depot Canada, effective immediately. Lennie will replace Aaron Carmack, who is taking an extended leave of absence to attend to a personal illness.

"We are fortunate to have an executive with Bill's experience and leadership abilities who can quickly step into this critical role," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO.  "We wish Aaron the best and look forward to his return."

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Thursday that it is increasing its annual dividend 21% on the back of strong earnings.

The retailer last month reported a 27% increase in fourth-quarter net income as it benefited from cost-cutting and strong sales overseas. Wal-Mart said it will pay an annual dividend this year of $1.46, up from $1.21. It will pay quarterly dividends of 36.5 cents in April, June, September and January in fiscal 2012, which ends Jan. 31.

The unemployment rate dipped from 9.0% in January to 8.9% in February, according to data released Friday morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction employment grew by 33,000 in February, following a decline of 22,000 in January that may have reflected severe winter weather, according to the bureau. Within construction, specialty trade contractors accounted for the bulk of the February job gain (+28,000).

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige Brands on Friday named Paul Hennessey VP operations.

“[Hennessey’s] background in over-the-counter consumer products is a terrific match for our company,” stated Prestige president and CEO Matthew Mannelly. “As we continue to grow and become even more customer and consumer focused in OTC, [Hennessey’s] leadership skills and extensive experience in supply chain manufacturing will serve our brands and our company well."