Cross-Merchandising

NEW YORK — A new survey by Angus Reid Public Opinion revealed a number of similarities and differences between the holiday shopping habits of people in North America and the United Kingdom.

The survey found that 40% of Americans, 41% of Canadians and 49% of Britons said they plan to spend less during the 2011 holiday season than they did last year, though 16% of Americans and 21% of Canadians said they're now in better financial situations. By contrast, 39% of Americans and 28% of Canadians said they're in worse shape, compared with 55% of Britons.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion announced that it will now offer its MVP customers copies of Southern Living magazine guide for the holidays. 

New York City -- J.C. Penney launched a strategic alliance with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to create a comprehensive retail experience featuring Martha Stewart products, know-how and advice.

San Bruno, Calif. -- A report released Thursday by email and cross-channel marketing solution provider Responsys found that promotional email marketing volume during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend hit an all-time high, helping to drive significant increases in online sales.

Niwot, Colo. -- Casual footwear-retailer Crocs debuted its new concept store, with locations in Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn.; Barton Creek, Austin, Tex.; and Streets at Southpoint, Durham, N.C.

Glimcher Realty Trust, based in Columbus, Ohio, is launching its Sensitive Santa program again this year, a sensory-friendly event that caters to children with autism.

With approximately three to six children out of every 1,000 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it can be difficult for families of children with autism to enjoy some of the holiday celebrations and traditions most people take for granted, including simple things like sitting on Santa’s lap in a busy shopping mall.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie on Wednesday announced it has joined forces with Feeding America to launch the Give a Meal program, which gives Winn-Dixie guests and team members the opportunity to help provide food to nearly 37 million Americans — including more than 14 million children — facing hunger this holiday season. Give a Meal runs through Jan. 3 and is available in all of Winn-Dixie’s 482 stores in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced a joint venture with Woodmont Outlets and EWB Development to develop, lease and manage St. Louis Premium Outlets, a new upscale outlet center in Chesterfield, Mo. 

The new outlet center, which was announced in October as Spirit of St. Louis Outlets, will be comprised of 55 acres and will anchor Chesterfield Blue Valley, a mixed-use development to include office space, hotel, restaurant and entertainment venues. 

Apartment 32, a new retail concept from apparel and outerwear manufacturer Weatherproof, is designed to resemble a chic Manhattan apartment, one that invites shoppers to enjoy the comforts of a modern home. It’s also one that has an unusual “leave your Blackberry at the door” policy.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax has announced that it has entered into an agreement with RadioShack whereby RadioShack employees will offer mobile products and services, including prepaid and postpaid wireless products, accessories and service plans, as well as assist in selling OfficeMax consumer electronics products and services, in approximately 15 to 20 OfficeMax stores in the San Francisco market. The pilot program will begin in January 2012.