Cross-Merchandising

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that, from April 17 through April 23, it is inviting customers to trade in their used writing instruments regardless of brand to any of its retail stores nationwide. In exchange for ten pens, pencils or markers, customers will receive a coupon toward a new product from Newell Rubbermaid Office Products. The collected instruments will be sent to TerraCycle to be turned into new office supply products ranging from trash cans to desk organizers.

Kokomo Ind. -- The Bon-Ton Stores said Thursday that it has signed a letter of intent with Simon Property Group for a 60,000-sq.-ft. facility at Markland Mall, located in Kokomo, Ind.

According to the department store retailer, the existing building will be remodeled by November, at which time Bon-Ton will open a new store under the Carson’s nameplate, replacing its current Elder-Beerman store presently located in Kokomo Mall.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears on Monday announced the expansion of beauty to more than 100 Sears locations and Sears.com.

The new cosmetics departments will include beauty products from such well-known brands as L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon and CoverGirl, in a range of hues for every woman. Additionally, beauty advisers staffing the departments will offer makeup tips and advice to customers who desire assistance in perfecting their look.

Walmart has long shunned outright sponsorship of a NASCAR team, while such other retailers as Target, Office Depot, Bass Pro Shops, Home Depot and Lowe’s have embraced the sport with much success. With most NASCAR fans already shopping its stores, Walmart has adopted for a more surgical approach, which is evident again this year as the company executes promotional events at stores in markets where races are being held.

 WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  -- Hy-Vee announced that it has enlisted the help of celebrity chef Curtis Stone to develop a series of recipes designed to bring families together for meals.

Under the exclusive agreement with Hy-Vee, Stone, who stars as an investor/mentor on NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant." will be featured in the company's TV commercials, print ads and in-store promotional materials over the next two years, said Randy Edeker, president and COO of Hy-Vee.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Sam's Club announced that it is helping members and non-members prepare for spring celebrations by inviting them to a national "Spring Taste of Sam's Club" sampling event from April 15 to 17.

This complimentary tasting weekend will showcase gourmet finds and crowd favorites at locations nationwide from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Sam's Club reported.

With its outdoor underpinnings and Swiss accents, Wenger, in Boulder, Col., is the perfect showcase for the legendary 116-year-old company, which is best known as the maker of the “genuine” Swiss Army Knife. The 3,000-sq.-ft. store, which took top honors in the Association for Retail Environments’ 2011 design awards, is the firm’s first freestanding store in the United States.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate said its Kudos brand will debut a new-and-improved line of granola bars this May.

Kudos will don flavors from M&M's, Dove and Snickers in a 10-count pack and a 30-count variety pack.

What's more, a marketing campaign will kick off to celebrate the Kudos granola bars, which will include a refreshed website at Kudosbar.com and cross promotions with others Mars Chocolate brands.

Kudos 10-count and 30-count variety packs will retail for $2.99 and $6.99, respectively.

Recently I had one of the most immersive, exciting shopping experiences ever. I got to play with a bunch of cool products and to engage with employees and other shoppers who had similar tastes and interests as mine. The experience whetted my appetite for more products and I left totally pumped up about several brands. I told several people about my experience and they wanted to go check it out themselves. 

NEW YORK  -- Barneys New York has announced that Carine Roitfeld will collaborate on its women's fall 2011 campaign. Roitfeld will serve as guest editor and stylist working alongside celebrated photographer Mario Sorrenti and Barneys New York creative director, Dennis Freedman, to create the campaign, the company reported.

According to the company, the company will celebrate Roitfeld's iconic style and will feature looks displayed in the windows at Barneys' Madison Avenue flagship store.