Cross-Merchandising

Walmart released an annual top toy list on Thursday with an important distinction from earlier versions – it was selected by kids and will be marketed and merchandise as “Chosen by Kids.”

Milford, Conn. – Subway is entering a cross-platform advertising partnership with NBCUniversal for its new interactive game show “Million Second Quiz.” In addition to providing gift cards to contestants during the course of the show, Subway will offer photo opportunities and social media engagements.

Other aspects of the joint campaign will include messaging on Facebook and Twitter, a prize of a year’s worth of foot-long subs via an NBC radio promotion, and a Subway presence in the live stream both online and in the MSQ App.

Macy’s is looking to enhance its appeal to Millennial customers by expanding its athletic apparel assortment, which will include Nike, the North Face, Under Armour, Calvin Klein Performance and Ideology, to more stores this fall and the addition of Helly Hansen in select locations. 

This expansion is part of the retailer’s Millennial strategy designed to attract a new generation of customers looking for trend, style and value. Macy’s will begin rolling out new product for men, women and kids to stores and on macys.com this month.

Beauty.com is offering a free gift as an incentive for shoppers to spend at least $100 on the site. The Heartbeat Bag, developed by the creative force behind New York fashion line, Honor, is a clutch filled with products.

The black cosmetics case is clad in white hearts and has white lining dotted with black hearts. Shoppers can store beauty products in the translucent pink windows. The inside and outside of the clutch are waterproof.

Bud Light Platinum and Justin Timberlake are launching "Platinum Nights," a digital-to-real-world scavenger hunt that will challenge social media-savvy fans to unlock a series of weekly clues for a chance to win Platinum flyaway experiences during Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience World Tour.

Throughout the next 13 weeks, Timberlake, Bud Light Platinum's creative director, will release a weekly clue via his Facebook page to lead fans to online and real-life Platinum experiences where they can unlock additional clues.  

Phoenix – PetSmart is allowing customers to virtually try Halloween costumes on their pets via Facebook. PetSmart’s “Spooktacular Costume Machine” on Facebook lets customers upload a photo of their pet and virtually try on 10 different costumes, add props and text, and share a photo through email, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

After creating a costume, coupons are available to print, including $2 off any PetSmart costume purchase and buy-one, get-one treat coupons. The promotion begins Sept. 16.

PHOENIX — PetSmart is leveraging Facebook to drive sales of pet costumes, as well as Halloween-themed accessories, toys and treats. 

The retailer will be stocked with everything from pumpkin and witch costumes for guinea pigs to a whole assortment of costumes for dogs that include bandanas, hair bows and angel wings and exclusive character costumes from Disney, Martha Stewart Pets, DC Comics, Marvel and Peanuts.

CINCINNATI — Pantene has selected current CoverGirl spokesperson Queen Latifah as its brand ambassador, supporting the Truly Relaxed and Truly Natural collections.

Campbell Soup Co. and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. are joining forces and launching Campbell’s Fresh-Brewed Soup K-Cup packs, which will offer consumers Campbell’s soups that can be prepared in Keurig brewers.

Crosman Corporation — an international designer, manufacturer and marketer of shooting sports products — has entered into a long-term agreement with Eva Shockey, daughter and hunting partner of professional hunter, Jim Shockey, to promote the shooting sports.