Marketing

A city with a booming population, one of the nation’s lowest unemployment figures, and an expanding presence on the national and international stage, Houston, Texas is on this rise. Already the fourth largest city in America, Houston has been recognized in recent years as a social and economic powerhouse that deserves to be considered alongside iconic cities like New York and Chicago. Unsurprisingly, Houston’s retail development growth has been a big part of its ascendance.

Plano, Texas -- J. C. Penney Company will open its first-ever store in Brooklyn, further increasing its New York City footprint, on Aug. 29. The all-new 124,000-sq.-ft., single-level store, located in Gateway Center, will provide a look at Penney's updated store model, which includes a new footwear format.  

Office Depot softened the blow of weak second quarter sales by bumping up the pace of 400 store closings to drive greater than expected operating profit growth and expense savings related to the merger with OfficeMax.

J. C. Penney is expanding its New York footprint with the opening of its first-ever store in Brooklyn. The store will have design elements and innovative features not found in any of its other stores, according to the retailer.

Newegg has turned to Visa to streamline the checkout process for its customers. The leading electronics-focused e-retailer will leverage the Visa Checkout payment service to simplify the process of buying online.

Visa Checkout can be used when shopping Newegg from a desktop computer and mobile devices. To mark the addition of the new service, Newegg is running a promotion until August 25 giving customers 10% (up to $20) off purchases made using Visa Checkout.

GNC has appointed senior retail industry executive Michael G. Archbold as CEO and member of the board, effective immediately. Archbold replaces chairman, president and CEO Joseph Fortunato, who is leaving the company and has stepped down from the board.

Lead independent director Michael Hines has been elected non-executive chairman.

Scotts Miracle-Gro reported declines in sales and income for the third quarter of 2014, but pointed to momentum that may place the company at the top end of its guidance for the year.

Groupon has named Parker Barrile as its SVP of product. He will lead Groupon’s global product teams focused on Web, mobile and design.

“Parker brings tremendous value to Groupon both as an entrepreneur and an established, effective product leader in global tech organizations,” said Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky. “He will help us evolve our local commerce platform to further engage our customers and help make Groupon a premier online shopping destination.”

Under Armour’s newest board member is former ESPN president George Bondenheimer.
 
"We are excited to have George Bodenheimer joining our board," Under Armour CEO and chairman Kevin Plank said "His pioneering vision and his experience building and leading a global sports media brand will bring important perspective and expertise to our company as we continue to expand the UA brand globally."
 

Hillshire Farm is introducing its Hillshire Farm Naturals line of lunchmeat ahead of the start of the school year.
 
The meats in the lineup are preservative-free and don’t contain any nitrates, nitrites, or any artificial coloring or flavors. The new variety will come in black re-sealable tubs, and include two varieties of turkey breast — slow roasted and smoked — as well as black forest and honey roasted ham.