Events

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has kicked off a sales event during May that will support the broad range of programs and services the United Service Organizations provides to service members, their families and veterans.

New York -- A New York City gourmet emporium and a Bay Area nine-store natural/specialty food supermarket chain are among the recipients of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade’s Outstanding Retailers of 2012 awards.

Washington, D.C. -- Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports will be flat in May compared with the same month last year, but is expected to see solid year-over-year increases through this summer and the back-to-school season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

New York -- Dressbarn, a subsidiary of Ascena Retail Group Inc., has launched a social and interactive campaign, called Share Your (MOM)ent, for Mother's Day. The campaign's integrated web and mobile site was designed and developed by Manhattan-based agency Conversation.

The campaign encourages consumers to upload a photo, video or written memory of anyone who has ever given them a warm and fuzzy mom-like feeling, and to share it with others via social networks and a customizable e-card.

Canton, Mass. -- Baskin-Robbins announced Friday a plan to nearly double its U.K. presence over the next three years, adding 80 freestanding units to the 100 stores currently operating in the region.

The announcement comes as the ice cream chain celebrates the official opening of three new shops in London, each featuring the brand’s new international design that includes lounge-style seating, interactive LCD menu displays and upgraded wallcoverings reminiscent of waffle cones.

New York -- Microsoft Corp. will open a store in Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater, N.J., on May 16. The store will be located on the mall’s second level, close to the existing Apple store.

The computer giant is also moving into Massachusetts, with a store in Boston. The opening date has not been announced.

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be opening a new Microsoft Store at The Shops at Prudential Center in Boston!,” the company wrote on its Facebook page and website.
 

Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton and his wife Helen, is slated to deliver the commencement address at the University of Arkansas on Saturday, May 12.

After the pounding Walmart and its president and CEO Mike Duke have taken in recent weeks in the media over the alleged Mexican bribery and cover up scandal detailed by the New York Times, the company and its leader received some good news this week from the Network of Executive Women.