Marketing Tactics

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- Kraft Foods announced that its premium coffee brand, Gevalia, will be available for purchase in supermarkets, mass merchandisers and other retail outlets across the United States beginning in August.  

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.  -- HSN announced that Betsy Olum has been appointed general manager beauty and merchandising strategy.  She will report directly to Lynne Ronon, HSN EVP merchandising.

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that, from April 17 through April 23, it is inviting customers to trade in their used writing instruments regardless of brand to any of its retail stores nationwide. In exchange for ten pens, pencils or markers, customers will receive a coupon toward a new product from Newell Rubbermaid Office Products. The collected instruments will be sent to TerraCycle to be turned into new office supply products ranging from trash cans to desk organizers.

By John Bajorek, [email protected]

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. --Staples announced that it will be selling Barnes & Noble's Nook Color tablet e-reader, making it the first office superstore to offer the device. The Nook will be available at Staples stores nationwide and at Staples.com for $249, beginning May 1.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- RadioShack announced that it is giving customers the chance to win the new eco-friendly Nissan Leaf simply by trading in their used electronics devices.

From April 17 to 23, customers can bring in eligible working products and accessories into any participating RadioShack store and enter to win a Nissan LEAF, the only 100% electric, zero-emissions vehicle available in the mass market. 

The nation’s leading retail and restaurant chains came together to share ideas, discuss opportunities and find new solutions at Chain Store Age’s 47th annual SPECS conference, in Grapevine, Texas. Reflecting a renewed sense of optimism in the industry, overall attendance was up significantly, among retailers as well as exhibitors. All segments of the industry were in attendance, from discounters and specialty stores to supermarkets and home-improvement outlets to casual-dining restaurants.

CINCINNATI and BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart and Procter & Gamble's Family Movie Night initiative is celebrating one year, and the companies plan to continue their partnership with the addition of five more movies in 2011.