Marketing Tactics

Indianapolis -- Marsh Supermarkets said Thursday that it will lower prices on select items in a move to spur sales and loyalty.

The program, called Good ‘Til, launched this month and guarantees that prices on the most popular items won't increase for at least three months even if industry retail prices increase.

The three-month guarantees will be offered four times per year.

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that its annual Honoring Our Heroes fundraising campaign to support the United Service Organizations garnered $1.5 million.

The funds were raised in partnership with customers and associates through a variety of in-store activities at Kroger stores nationwide, as well as online at HonoringOurHeroes.com. Procter & Gamble and Anheuser Busch also participated in the program and contributed $250,000 each in conjunction with special sales programs in Kroger stores.

New York City -- Footwear designer Jean-Michel Cazabat said he will open his first U.S. store on Oct. 8 in New York City's West Village.

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple announced Wednesday that its co-founder Steve Jobs has died at age 56. Jobs suffered from a rare form of pancreatic cancer, and stepped down from his CEO post in August.

Apple released a brief statement, saying "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."

New York City -- Costco Wholesale Corp. turned in a strong September performance, recording a 12% rise in same-store sales for the month.

Target Corp., helped by strong sales of groceries, beauty products and clothing, saw September same-store sales rise 5.3%. Sales for the period rose 6.5% to $5.9 billion.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is partnering with designers Albertus Swanepoel and Dana Kellin to introduce two affordable, limited-edition accessories collections beginning this fall.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is partnering with internationally renowned designer Josie Natori to introduce its first limited-edition collection of lingerie and loungewear.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation predicted an average holiday shopping season. According to the NRF forecast, holiday retail sales for 2011 are expected to increase 2.8% to $465.6 billion. While that growth is far lower than the 5.2% increase retailers experienced last year, it is slightly higher than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.6%, according to NRF.