Events

Purchase, N.Y. – MasterCard is unveiling a new omni-channel promotion called “Priceless Surprises.” Consumers who make purchases via any channel, or use #PricelessSurprises on Twitter or Instagram, are eligible to receive random, real-time surprises.

Portland, Ore. — Cypress Equities, the management company for Lloyd Center, has shared its initial plans for updating the historic shopping center in the Lloyd District adjacent to downtown Portland.

The proposal, which has been submitted to city officials, calls for two entirely new pedestrian entryways designed to provide greater access to the shopping center and to build synergy with the stir of activity along Multnomah Street.

Orlando, Fla. — Ruth’s Chris Steak House has opened a new location in Denver — in the historic Denver Dry Goods Building. The contemporary space spans nearly 10,000 sq. ft. and boasts a grand lounge, three private event rooms, a dining room and a state-of-the-art kitchen anchored by Ruth’s Chris’ signature and proprietary 1,800-degree broiler.

Ruth’s Chris is the largest upscale steak house company in the world, with nearly 140 restaurant locations around the globe.

Beloit, Wis. -- Almost one-third of U.S., consumers (30%) plan to buy a new TV in 2014 and of those, 32% said during Super Bowl sales, while 25% said during Black Friday. A new consumer survey from FatWallet also revealed price will have the most influence on TV purchases, with more than half saying they plan to spend less than $500, while one-in-four plan to spend more than $700.

New York -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association elected Richard Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar General, as the new chairman of its board of directors.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as board chairman for RILA and to work with this exceptional group of retail leaders to strengthen our industry,” said Dreiling. “RILA is a critical strategic partner in empowering our industry to speak with one voice to champion issues that affect the retail sector, our workforce and our valued customers.”

Columbia, Md. – A lone 19-year-old gunman killed two employees of a Zumiez store at The Mall of Columbia in Columbia, Md., on the morning of Jan. 26. Media reports indicate that local authorities began receiving 911 calls about the incident at the suburban Baltimore mall at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Dollar General chairman and CEO Rick Dreiling was elected chairman of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to fill a position held the past two years by Target chairman, president and CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

Dreiling’s appointment was announced at RILA’s semi-annual board of directors meeting held Sunday in Naples, Fla. Steinhafel will continue to serve as a member of organization’s executive committee.

New York -- Direct spending in New York and New Jersey by the National Football League (NFL), businesses, visitors, and media on area lodging, transportation, food and beverage, entertainment, business services, and other hospitality and tourism activities related to Super Bowl XLVIII is expected to total more than $210 million.