Cross-Merchandising

The iPad is an amazing product that offers a wonderful user experience, which is why everyone wants one. It also doesn’t hurt that retailers of all types have become quite aggressive in their promotional efforts on behalf of Apple, since the popular device makes a meaningful contribution to sales in addition to providing those retailers who feature the device with some of that Apple “it” factor.

Cincinnati -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased restaurant space to Arirang Japanese Bistro at Sycamore Plaza in Cincinnati.

The Japanese Hibachi steak house and sushi restaurant leased 7,600 sq. ft. and is slated to open in the fall. The dining establishment is taking the space formerly occupied by Max & Erma’s restaurant. 

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.