Cross-Merchandising

CHICAGO, and COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — A universal product sustainability score would influence the brand purchase decisions of health and eco-conscious consumers, according to new research from Ryan Partnership Chicago and Mambo Sprouts Marketing.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra and the City of Loveland, Colo., are gearing up for a single September evening event that combines local artists, musicians and a one-night-only VIP shopping experience. 

The Art of Fashion takes over The Promenade Shops at Centerra on Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and offers one-night-only shopping discounts, complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, in-store events, door prizes, chair massages, makeovers, demonstrations and more.

New York City -- Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened a new format, called ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, in Washington, D.C.’s, DuPont Circle neighborhood.

The Asian-themed eatery uses the same set-up as the company’s namesake restaurants, with customers able to customize the food offerings.
 

Bellevue, NY -- In a survey released Wednesday by thrift retailer Savers Inc., the average family is expected to spend $300 on Halloween costumes, décor and celebrations this year.

According to the Halloween Shopping Survey, 90% of adults are planning to create a brand new look this season rather than repurpose old costumes, and another 81% will purchase new decorations for their home. 

New York City -- Toys “R” Us is cutting back on the number of temporary holiday stores it opens this year compared with last, but it is significantly expanding the number of exclusive products it offers, chairman and CEO Jerry Storch said at a press conference Wednesday. The retail chief’s bet on the hottest toy of the season: Animal Planet’s Air Swimmers line (helium-filled, radio-controlled flying fish), which will be available only at Toys “R” stores and via its website.

New York City -- A series of retailer moves on Madison Avenue has allowed for expansion and improved adjacencies in one of Manhattan’s luxury shopping meccas.

According to Prudential Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group, Italian luxury sportswear retailer Paul & Shark has opened in the Hartz Mountain Building at 667 Madison Avenue, replacing Michael Kors. In turn, Michael Kors will move to the current Steuben store and open a new flagship when the glassmaker departs the space.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart said Tuesday that it has partnered with ad agency ArnoldNYC to launch a national campaign focusing on digital and social engagement.

"Love at First Find," which launched Monday, consists of digital, social media, TV, print and radio, and stars real Stein Mart customers with the goal of fostering an online community of fans via Facebook and Stein Mart's website.

Uniqlo is popping-up all over Manhattan. As the prelude to the opening of its Fifth Avenue global flagship in October, the Japanese apparel retailer opened four temporary “Brand Shops” around the city. Each location is cleverly designed and smartly outfitted.

San Francisco -- Gap has opened its first Banana Republic store in Russia, in Moscow's AfiMall City. In related news, the company will open its first Gap store in Belgrade, Serbia, on Friday.

“We are very proud to not only be introducing Banana Republic to Russia, but also opening our 200th franchise store,” said Stephen Sunnucks, president, international, Gap. “This is a significant landmark for our goal of growing our franchise store base to 400 by 2014.”

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway announced that it has raised $10.4 million during a five-week campaign to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association develop treatments and assist people coping with neuromuscular diseases.