Cross-Merchandising

ORLANDO, Fla. — Winn-Dixie on Wednesday expanded its Fuelperks! rewards program throughout central Florida, incorporating 62 Winn-Dixie stores in Orlando and Daytona, Fla., areas into the program.

As part of the program, the Winn-Dixie customer reward card has been redesigned to include a magnetic stripe on the back, similar to a debit or credit card.

DENVER — Quiznos will open restaurants in Meijer locations in Michigan, the quick service restaurant announced Wednesday. The relationship between Quiznos and Meijer is the most recent in a series of successful partnerships and store openings in Quiznos’ non-traditional development strategy, the company announced.

WAYNE, N.J. — Ahead of the holiday season, Toys"R"Us has announced the redesign of Imaginarium, further emphasizing its focus on exclusives this year. The company has revamped Imaginarium, the company's exclusive, specialty learning brand. The brand has been given an updated logo and 50 new products designed to promote childhood development by stimulating visual, auditory and manual senses. Toys"R"Us announced that it is inviting customers to experience the Imaginarium redesign at special in-store shops beginning Oct.

Wayne, N.J. -- As part of a re-imagination of its Imaginarium brand, Toys “R” Us said Tuesday it will redesign its in-store Imaginarium shops nationwide with enhanced offerings and products in both bricks-and-mortar stores and online.

The retailer said it will support the Imaginarium redesign and product expansion with a fully integrated marketing program that includes print advertisements, as well as in-store and online boutiques.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has committed $3 million in donations for local breast cancer initiatives across the country to support National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, the grocer announced Monday.

"We are honored that so many of our courageous associates are willing to share their experiences as breast cancer survivors," stated David Dillon, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Their inspirational stories educate and encourage others to better care for each other and their own health."

Walnut Creek, Calif. -- Grubb & Ellis Co. said that Bay Area Family Fitness Centers has leased 38,133 sq. ft. of retail space at Gould Shopping Center, in San Jose, Calif.

The space will serve as the second location for the company, which markets affordable fitness. It is expected to open by year-end.
 

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group has opened its eighth DestinationXL (DXL) location to date, in Westport, Conn. DXL is Casual Male’s new superstore format, housing Casual Male’s four existing apparel businesses: Casual Male XL, Rochester Big & Tall, Shoes XL and B&T Direct.

The company plans to open up to 12 DXL stores during the balance of 2011, another 20-30 stores during 2012 and approximately 100 stores over a four to five year period.

This fall, Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group will bring high-energy runway shows and events to shoppers across the nation with “Simon Fashion Now,” a series of free events held at select Simon shopping centers.

Earlier in September, Simon Fashion Now kicked off in Houston – at The Galleria – and the tour will continue at Simon properties in Boca Raton, Fla. (Town Center at Boca Raton); Burlington, Mass. (Burlington Mall); Garden City, N.Y. (Roosevelt Field); and Charlotte, N.C. (SouthPark).

September may seem a bit early to put out a holiday toy list, considering most consumers just finished spending for back-to-school and still have Halloween to think about, but garnering media attention is important. Many retailers who have a hand in toy retailing will put out some sort of toy list, and Walmart is among them. However if it continues the trend of last year, Walmart won't release its list until early November, which is more in line with when consumers begin thinking about holiday shopping.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. and WAYNE, N.J. — While most consumers have barely started making Halloween plans, the retail industry is looking ahead to the holiday season and predicting what they think will be the most popular toys this year.

Toys“R”Us and Kmart both announced their top toy lists for the holiday season detailed below:

Toys"R"Us

1. Air Hogs Hyper Actives from Spin Master

2. Air Swimmers eXtreme from Animal Planet