Events

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., and BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The upcoming live action/CG-animated film Hopeasily lends itself to a variety of Easter-based retailing opportunities, and Walmart is getting in on the action with the announcement of a partnership with Universal Pictures that will include in-store events and excluisive licensed products.

New York City -- Schneider Electric and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are collaborating to enhance the current demand response credit for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

Kansas City, Kan. -- OTB Destination, LLC announced that Chico’s and Soma Intimates outlet concepts will open at Legends Outlets Kansas City in June. Both concepts are new to the region.

New York City -- Global design consultancy Fitch today announced the opening of its first office in China. The new office will service Fitch’s existing clients such as Nokia and Dell, as well as new clients in the buoyant Chinese market.

Ian Bellhouse, managing director for SE Asia & Greater China, Fitch, will lead the new operations.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Sam's Club,  the official supplier of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, is sponsoring its first national BBQ tour and is awarding $400,000 in prize money -- a first for competitive barbeque. 

PITTSBURGH -- National Runner's Month is back this May at Dick's Sporting Goods. As part of its celebration of runners, the company announced that it will be a major sponsor at ten premiere running events in metro cities across the country. In addition, the month-long running celebration will be surrounded by a comprehensive marketing program that includes the announcement of three widely respected running ambassadors, a major charity initiative, social and digital media elements along with running specials and promotions throughout May.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced Wednesday that Las Vegas Outlet Center will open a major expansion on March 17, adding 13 new stores and approximately 70,000 sq. ft. of GLA, and bringing the center to more than 140 stores for a total of 535,000 sq. ft.

With this expansion, the center is being renamed Las Vegas Premium Outlets - South. The center was also recently renovated, receiving a complete external makeover with significant interior improvements as well.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- The Rite Aid Foundation announced Wednesday that it was donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross -- Japan earthquake fund.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, families and communities affected by this devastating tragedy,” Rite Aid Foundation president Mary Sammons said. “We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross and assist them in their mission of helping the people of Japan in their time of need.”

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Beginning in mid-March, the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour will embark on another 10-month tour to provide an expected $14 million worth of free health tests.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears Holdings announced that it has been named the 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year (Product Retailer Category) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is the second year running that Sears Holdings has been awarded this honor for empowering its customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and through its numerous initiatives focusing on educating customers about energy-efficient products.