Marketing Tactics

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced the launch of new jewelry line from designer Zaven Ghanimian. Beginning today, the Zeghani bt Simon collection will be available for purchase at Sears stores nationwide as well as online at www.Sears.com/zeghani.

Ghanimian is the son of famed jeweler Simon G and trained at his father's jewelry business before designing his solo collection.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. announced that has teamed up with design expert Debi Lilly to launch an exclusive new line of entertaining and home décor products.

WASHINGTON -- Mobile and social initiatives are becoming increasingly important to retailers. According to “The State Of Retailing Online 2011: Marketing, Social, and Mobile” report conducted by Forrester Research Inc. for Shop.org, 91% of retailers currently have a mobile strategy in place or in development (up from 74% a year ago). Additionally, 72% of retailers say they will increase their spending on social networks this year over last year. “

Stratham, N.H. -- The Timberland Co. on Friday will open a new store in San Francisco, in San Francisco Centre. Designed to reflect the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability, the 2,300 sq. ft. space is one of the brand's most eco-conscious stores to-date. In a first for Timberland, the sales floor is lit entirely with reduced-wattage LED lighting.

New York City -- Retailers from around the world have until May 20 to enter the annual global competition, the Oracle World Retail Awards. Online entry is open at worldretailcongress.com.

The awards, designed to recognize the outstanding innovation and creativity delivered by l retailers worldwide, are presented each year at a gala event during the World Retail Congress. This year’s presentation will be held Sept. 27 in Berlin.

The winners in 2010 were as follows:

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Kroger and Procter & Gamble have teamed up to support the USO in its efforts to help American troops and their families.

Washington, D.C. -- More and more retailers are experimenting with mobile and social initiatives. According to “The State Of Retailing Online 2011: Marketing, Social, and Mobile” report conducted by Forrester Research. for Shop.org, 91%  percent of retailers currently have a mobile strategy in place or in development (up from 74% a year ago), and 72% say they will increase their spending on social networks this year over last.

The consulting firm Gravitytank named Bob Thacker as a strategic advisor to help the firm’s consumer electronics, retail, consumer packaged goods and technology clients. Thacker most recently served as SVP of marketing and advertising at OfficeMax and was with Target from 1989 to 1998 as a VP of marketing. He also served as president and CEO of BBDO in Minneapolis and served as an SVP of marketing at Sears.