Marketing

Quincy, Mass. – The sell-off of stores from the newly bankrupt Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. (A&P) has begun. The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC has entered into an agreement with A&P to acquire 25 A&P stores in greater New York for $146 million.

Dick's Sporting Goods is leaving no target market unaccounted for in its quest for growth and expansion.

The retailer is launching a new "fitness and lifestyle" boutique concept aimed at women called Chelsea Collective. The first two Chelsea Collective locations will open in August in Tysons Corner, Va., at Tysons Corner Center and Pittsburgh at Ross Park Mall. 

Houston – Francesca’ Holdings Corp. has appointed Martyn Redgrave as a member of the board of directors. Redgrave served as Limited Brands' executive VP and chief administration officer from March 2005 to August 2012 and also served as CFO from January 2006 to May 2007.

Barnes & Noble Inc. has hired a new chief for its digital division as the retailer rethinks the leadership of its Nook business.

In the e-commerce fight between China's Alibaba and JD.com, Taylor Swift has declared a winner.

The pop superstar announced that JD.com will be the official online source of Taylor Swift items in China, including a new fashion line the music superstar designed specifically for the Chinese market. 

New York - Harry & David has selected MWW Public Relations to serve as its official public relations agency. To help drive Harry & David's brand relevance among target consumers, MWWPR is charged with developing and implementing a strategic communication plan that focuses on media and influencer engagement and strengthening Harry & David as a household name.

San Francisco - Instacart  is expanding a program that lets some contract workers become part-time employees. The online grocery delivery service is now offering its contractor in-store shoppers in Houston and Austin, Texas, the option of applying for new employee roles with expanded responsibilities.

Hoboken, N.J. – The countdown is on for the latest competitor to Amazon.com to take off. Jet.com, which hopes to compete with the Amazon Prime membership service using “profit-free” pricing, has an online clock on its homepage counting down to launch at 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 21.