Cross-Merchandising

NEW YORK — The first of Moose Toys anticipated Series Three Trash Pack Toys arrived at Toys"R"Us TImes Square this weekend at special event to welcome the toys arrival. The third collection of the popular line of garbage-themed collectible toys is available starting this week exclusively at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/TrashPack.

Brooklyn, N.Y. -- West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma, announced that it will open a store at 180 University Avenue in Palo Alto, Calif., on Oct. 18.

The new Palo Alto store will include a collection of decorative accessories and art made by Etsy artists from the South Bay. It will be only the second West Elm store selling goods made by Etsy artists in the U.S.

By Mark J. Rowell, president, Mammoth Media

Supermarkets, apparel chains and other retail outlets need clear signage with messaging that is sharply and professionally printed to draw in customers.

Li Ning, one of China’s largest marketers of sports apparel, footwear and equipment, has opened a flagship in Beijing with a bold design that  uses the theme of motion to attract and engage shoppers. A strong angular grid pattern is present throughout the store—in the ceilings, lighting and floor pattern — that creates an impression of non-stop movement. The theme is most visible on the sweeping lines of the four-story façade, which features a massive banner with changeable imagery.

NEW YORK — JCPenney has partnered with baby retailer Giggle to launch specialty shops in more than 500 JCPenney shops. 

Branded as giggleBABY, the new baby ships will open in fall 2013 and feature nursery, gear, layette, bedding, toys, and gifts. An expanded selection of giggleBABY products will be available on JCP.com.

Target this week entered the seasonal fray dominated so far by Walmart and Toys "R" Us attempting to outdo one another with announcements about their layaway offers, product reservation programs and top toy lists.

Fremont, Calif. -- The Men’s Wearhouse and online wedding site The Knot Wedding Network announced Wednesday that Men’s Wearhouse will be the exclusive tuxedo provider for TheKnot.com.

The new arrangement will give brides-to-be the opportunity to view and interact with Men's Wearhouse brand-name tuxedo merchandise at an early stage of the wedding planning process.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us on Tuesday said it will offer a price-match guarantee on all items in its namesake and Babies “R” Us stores this holiday season.

Beginning immediately and continuing through Christmas Eve, the company said it will match competitors’ in-store pricing on identical items, any time a customer presents a local competitor’s current print advertisement showing the item available for less.  

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — In a reverse of the trend to make everything digital, Hasbro is taking some of the most popular digital games and turning them into physical board games.

The toy company has partnered with Zynga to create off line versions of its popular Word With Friends, FarmVille, CityVille and Draw Something brands.The line will hit store shelves this month at most major U.S. retailers and will also be available globally this fall in the United Kingdown, Australia and Canada.

Boston -- Boot and leather goods manufacturer Frye Co. will open its second U.S. retail location – on Newbury St. in a historic building in Boston’s Back Bay. It joins Frye’s only retail store in the Soho area of New York City.

The 11,000-sq.-ft., three-level flagship store is slated to open spring 2013. It will reflect a fresh vision of Frye’s heritage and commitment to craft, and house specially designed areas showcasing the brand’s product.