Marketing

After eight years leading public relations efforts at the International Council of Shopping Centers, Jesse Tron is departing from the association to set up a communications practice at The Dealey Group, a full-service agency.   “We couldn’t support our clients’ demand for PR services, and that was something we wanted to change,” explained CEO JoAnn Dealey in announcing Tron’s appointment.  

Papa John’s is the most recognized brand among fans of the National Football League and the chain intends to keep it that way, announcing it had renewed its multiyear deal as the official pizza sponsor of the NFL and the Super Bowl.   In that regard, Papa John’s is permitted to use NFL logos in its advertising and conduct integrated marketing campaigns involving the NFL Kickoff event and the Pro Bowl in addition to the Super Bowl.   

Top Walmart executive Michelle Gloeckler, who landed 38th on Fortune’s list of most powerful women last year, will leave Bentonville to take over as executive VP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors.  

Wal-Mart Stores is in talks to buy start-up Jet.com, an online retailer that has styled itself as a challenger to Amazon, the Wall Street Journal reported.   The acquisition would give a big boost to Wal-Mart’s digital efforts, as well as its efforts to compete with Amazon. At the company’s annual shareholders meetings in June, Wal-Mart CEO Doug said the discounter planned to become more aggressive in growing its online business.  

Having already served as an early innovator in e-commerce, eBay has turned its attention to a new emerging technology area. In an interview on CNBC, eBay CEO Devin Weng said the company intends to take a leading role in artificial intelligence.   "We are planting the seeds right now to ensure that eBay is not only relevant, but a leader — a disruptor — in artificial intelligence," said Weng. 

Not even a political slug fest can shake the current consumer. The latest Nielsen Consumer Confidence Index showed that consumer confidence in the U.S. is on the rise, despite the uncertainty and starkly contrasting rhetoric around key economic issues.   Per the Index, Americans remained optimistic in the second quarter with a three-point confidence increase to 113. In contrast, the global consumer confidence index for the same period was flat at 98.   Other U.S. highlights include: 

Ice cream lovers in Lebanon will soon have a new confectionary option, as Cold Stone Creamery has announced plans to open multiple locations throughout the country over the next few years, beginning with the capital city of Beirut.    Kahala Brands, the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, has granted MNM Investments Lebanon SAL, part of M1 Group, the master franchise rights to Lebanon under a 10-year master franchise agreement.  

August is a busy month for Petco, as the pet specialty retailer will celebrate the grand opening and re-opening of four stores, including one new location, one remodeled store and two store relocations.