Marketing Tactics

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.

TOWSON, Md. -- Black & Decker has introduced its new rechargeable mower, the 36V Variable-Speed Self-Propelled Cordless Rechargeable Mower, which allows users to adjust the mowing speed to their personal pace so they can achieve great cutting results with minimal effort, according to the company.

Indianapolis -- Appliance and electronics retailer Hhgregg reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 18.4% to $26.9 million, compared with $22.7 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales increased 30.6% to $653.7 million. Same-stores dropped 6.2%.

The company opened four new stores in the third quarter for a total of 42 in fiscal year 2011, and said it remains on track to open a total of 43 new stores in fiscal year 2011.

NEW YORK — Coty has announced the launch of the new fragrance Reveal by Halle Berry.

The fragrance complements her fragrance collection, Halle by Halle Berry and Pure Orchid by Halle Berry. Reveal is designed to be a memorable fragrance that captures the spirit of classic glamour with a modern, sexy twist.

WASHINGTON -- The American Beverage Association announced that consumers across the United States will soon find new calorie labels on the front of their favorite beverages as part of an effort by America's leading non-alcoholic beverage companies bring the Clear on Calories initiative to stores. The beverage industry's voluntary commitment to make calories more visible and useful to consumers supports First Lady Michelle Obama's efforts to help families make informed choices as part of an active, healthy lifestyle, the association reported.

Lewisville, Texas -- New research indicates that rebate programs are rising in favor with consumers and continuing to grow as a strategic approach for marketers. According to Parago, the nation’s largest rebate provider, 47% of consumers submitted a rebate in the past 12 months, up from 37% in the prior year.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — A new line of toy firing systems features ammunition that disintegrates on impact.

The Xploderz lineup of products include the XBlaster 200, Face Off 400, XStormer 1000 and XRanger 2000. Each gun shoots ammunition made with H2Grow technology that disintegrates on impact.

The XBlaster 200 is an easy-to-handle blaster that features a power arm, ammo clip and 200 Xploderz rounds, and shoots up to 50 ft. The XBlaster 200 carries a suggested retail price of $12.99.

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The Walmart Foundation and Goodwill have teamed up to provide single mothers with all the tools they need to find employment, succeed in the workplace and permanently support their families. The Walmart Foundation's grant of $2.5 million will support the program, known as Beyond Jobs, at Goodwill agencies in the five key markets of Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles County, Detroit, and New York City, through 2012.