Events

WABAN, Mass. — There most be something to that REDcard Rewards program. Target this week was among the companies with the most loyal customers, according to a new study by Temkin Group. The report, "2012 Temkin Loyalty Ratings," rated the loyalty that consumers have to 206 large companies across 18 industries.

Target with a rating of 59%, ranked No. 8 on the list. Sam's Club earned the top spot with a loyalty rating of 65%.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores is looking to cash in on the popularity of the music competition show, "American Idol," by launching an exclusive American Idol apparel collection. The line will be called Authentic Icon and will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning in April.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has named Ellen Davis SVP and executive director of the NRF Foundation, the education and research arm of NRF.

Philadelphia -- A Wednesday report by Reuters said that discounter Five Below is said to be considering an initial public offering. 

The report, citing unnamed sources, said that the Advent International- and LLR Partners-owned chain has hired underwriters and is in discussions with bankers.

Five Below is in a growth mode and could potentially command a market valuation of over $1 billion.

Awkward. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal included former Target director of design partnerships Brian Robinson on its annual 40 under 40 series, which looks at up-and-coming business leaders. In Robinson’s case, he is an up-and-comer who has already went – to JCPenney – but will reportedly be based in Minneapolis.

Moorestown, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that three stores are opening at Moorestown Mall this spring, furthering the entertainment offerings for mall shoppers and area residents.

Play N Trade, a specialty video game retailer, will open in the Sear’s wing next to GNC; Books for Less is opening in the Boscov’s wing next to Spencer’s; and a nail salon, Nailery, is opening next to the Chipotle entrance.

New York -- Retail executives are invited to attend the Microsoft Retail Roadshow, which will be held in the Dallas suburb of Irving, Texas, on Thursday, March 22. The half-day event will explore ways that retailers can increase operational efficiency, lower costs and innovate to drive customer engagement.

The event, which will include continental breakfast, lunch, demos and a partner showcase, will be held at Microsoft, 7000 State Highway 161 (George Bush Turnpike), Building LC1, Irving, Texas, 75039.

WASHINGTON — While intentions aren't always equal to results, if NRF's predictions are correct, consumers will be shelling out quite a bit of cash this Easter. According to NRF’s Easter spending survey, conducted by BIGinsight, Americans will spend an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11% from $131.04 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion.