Strategy

Stage Stores consolidates operations to boost efficiency
HOUSTON — Stage Stores is consolidating its South Hill, Virginia regional operations into its Houston, Texas corporate headquarters, in an effort to increase efficiency, create synergies, reduce expenses and enhance growth.
First Data: Consumer card spending growth robust in January
Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp. found that dollar volume growth rebounded in January, improving to 6.2% versus 4% in December despite the payroll tax increase.

The First Data SpendTrend report, which tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations, found that improved retail spending was a large contributor to the January growth.

Brainteaser game wins Game of the Year

OTTAWA, Ontario — PlaSmart Inc., the Ottawa-based global toy distributor, announced that its brainteaser game PerplexusTM Epic was named the 2013 Game of the Year last night by the Toy Industry Association.

The Toy of The Year (TOTY) award is the latest accolade earned by PerplexusTM Epic, which also received the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Media Seal of Approval, among others.
Digital Shopper Marketing Blues

By Rob Schmults, [email protected]
CVS Caremark names former Staples exec as digital chief

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS Caremark said Monday it has named Brian Tilzer as SVP, chief digital officer for the drugstore chain.

Tilzer, previously SVP global e-commerce for Staples, is charged with developing and leading CVS digital innovation efforts and connecting current and future digital initiatives.
CVS names head of digital initiatives

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the appointment of former Staples executive Brian Tilzer as SVP chief digital officer.

In his new role, Tilzer will develop and lead teams driving CVS Caremark's company-wide digital innovation efforts and will focus on connecting current and future digital initiatives.
Auto repair info site accelerates relationship with Cars.com

The leading online source for auto repair information has received additional funding and deepened its relationship with Cars.com.

RepairPal, already a featured content partner on Cars.com's Web site, gives shoppers access to auto repair and maintenance estimates and advice for common problems from technicians which can result in a visit to a local auto parts retailer or a service department of a dealer or local repair shop.
Cherokee brand and Chinese retailer team on e-commerce presence

Sherman Oaks, Calif. — American apparel brand Cherokee Inc. said Monday it has partnered with Chinese hypermarket chain RT Mart to launch an online Cherokee store on China’s largest e-commerce website, Tmall.com.

Cherokee will join Gap, Uniqlo, Adidas and Levi’s, who have each opened retail storefronts on Tmall.com.
Target gives Timberlake fans the ultimate '20/20 Experience'

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has teamed up with Justin Timberlake to offer a deluxe exclusive edition of the superstar’s highly anticipated third studio album, “The 20/20 Experience.” Featuring two bonus tracks, “Dress On” and “Body Count,” the Target exclusive album is available now for pre-order. The album will be in stores and on Target.com when the CD is released on March 19.
MasterCard partners with Mu Sigma to launch analytics products

Purchase, N.Y. — MasterCard Advisors, a division of MasterCard, and analytics firm Mu Sigma announced a new partnership to develop analytic products toward solving business challenges such as acquiring customers and increasing customer loyalty.

As part of the partnership, MasterCard has acquired an equity stake in Mu Sigma. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Stage Stores consolidates operations to boost efficiency

First Data: Consumer card spending growth robust in January

Brainteaser game wins Game of the Year

Digital Shopper Marketing Blues

CVS Caremark names former Staples exec as digital chief

CVS names head of digital initiatives

Auto repair info site accelerates relationship with Cars.com

Cherokee brand and Chinese retailer team on e-commerce presence

Target gives Timberlake fans the ultimate '20/20 Experience'

MasterCard partners with Mu Sigma to launch analytics products