Marketing Tactics

Westfield shopping centers and the Westfield Family program have launched a “Give Back to School” community program, in which Westfield will donate $57,500 to the program by offering $2,500 to one school in each of 23 communities. The funds will be used to support such school programs as arts and music, sciences, physical education, libraries and technology resources.

Shoppers also will have the opportunity to help local students by donating new and gently used clothing or backpacks through a local community partnership with their Westfield shopping center.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is partnering with DoSomething.org to encourage students to make a difference in their communities. Launching on Aug. 8, the initiative will connect young people across the country with DoSomething.org and provide them volunteer opportunities in their area, the company reported.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that the Y received the most votes in its Giving Made Simple campaign for health-focused nonprofits.

The Y is one of four nonprofits who are benefiting from a Sam's Club total donation of $1.2 million. Each of the nonprofits participating in Giving Made Simple delivers programs that promote nutrition, active lifestyles and health education for all ages, the company reported.

Austin -- H-E-B, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Denny’s are among the companies that will host some 103 electric vehicle charging stations in Austin, Texas., allowing customers to plug in while they shop. The stations are part of Utility Austin Energy’s Plug-In EVerywhere network.

The charging stations are available for use by everyone with an electric vehicle. Austin Energy offers a $25 six-month subscription swipe card for unlimited charging at any network location. Otherwise, a credit card can be used for $2 per hour of charging.

New York City -- The nation’s specialty apparel retailers reported mixed results in July. as Hot Topic and Limited Brands turned in strong performances, while Gap and Aeropostale stumbled.

Hot Topic said its same-store sales rose 7.3% in July. far exceeding the 0.5% rise in analysts’ forecast. Hot Topic said the measure rose 6.2% at its namesake stores and rose 11.8% at its plus-sized Torrid division. The teen retailer also raised its second-quarter outlook.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is encouraging customers to protect their eyes by offering free vision screenings at its stores nationwide on Aug. 13.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., both adults and children can receive a vision acuity screening, as well as a quick take-home test called an Amsler Grid, which tests for blurred or missing areas of vision.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that through its Acres for America program it is donating $500,000 to help protect, conserve and restore fragile urban ecosystems in Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Costco announced that it is bringing its Kirstie Kelly wedding gowns to the South during limited-time trunk shows at select locations.