Marketing Tactics

PLANO, Texas -- JCPenney has joined forces with teen and tween online community Stardoll.com for the launch of the first-ever, exclusive Stardoll brand of clothing and accessories.  This exciting, new brand will launch in 300 JCPenney stores and on jcp.com for the 2011 back-to-school season.

Stardoll.com is online community for girls that lets them create and dress their own personalized "MeDoll" avatars and use them to interact with other girls. 

MINNEAPOLIS-- Target is giving Lady Gaga fans something to celebrate. The retailer is offering customers the chance to pre-order an exclusive deluxe edition of her new album, "Born This Way," and download her first single and title track, "Born This Way" for free at Target.com/gaga beginning at 8 a.m. CST on Friday, Feb. 11 through midnight, Saturday, Feb. 26.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will be available in select Walmart stores starting Feb. 10.  

 "We're excited to bring iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network, one the most anticipated mobile phone launches in recent history, to Walmart customers," said Gary Severson, SVP home entertainment for Walmart U.S. "As customers continue to embrace smart phone technology, we've added nearly 20 smart phone models to our assortment, including the new Verizon Wireless iPhone 4."

Atlanta -- A report released Wednesday by First Data Corp., which tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations, found that more consumers opted to pay with credit cards in January.

According to the First Data SpendTrend report for January 2011, transaction growth on credit cards was at a 13-month high in January and year-over-year credit dollar volume growth was the second highest in over a year.

NEW YORK-- Barneys New York has launched a new editorial site called "The Window," which will reside on Barneys.com. According to the company, The Window will give viewers "a unique and expertly cultivated view into the worlds of luxury, culture, beauty and the people behind the most celebrated design houses, through interactive features and exclusive content."

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples Inc., announced its new Sustainable Earth by Staples janitorial paper products and compostable kitchen items including cups, plates and cutlery. According to the company, the products were developed using renewable resources, such as plant-based plastics and sugarcane, as well as recycled fiber and post-consumer content. By using innovative materials, these products have earned leading environmental certifications byGreen Seal and Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). 

Grapevine, Texas -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Kerri Bear has joined the management team at Grapevine Mills as director of marketing and business development.

Bear will be responsible for managing marketing, advertising and public relations programs, as well as selling in-mall media, securing sponsorships, coordinating promotional events and driving tourism.