Cross-Merchandising

The Great Save promotion is back again at Target for the second year in a row. As was the case last year, the promotion is billed as something of a warehouse-club type shopping experience complete with sharp pricing on large-pack sizes combined with a little bit of the treasure hunt atmosphere to create the allure of discovering bargains.

The biggest difference between this year and last year is the Great Save promotion will be shorter. It runs through Feb. 5 this year, whereas last year it was in place for seven weeks or until nearly the end of February.

QUINCY, Mass. - Retailer Work 'N Gear announced that it has teamed up with Sears and Kmart to launch America's first "store-within-a store" concept for healthcare fashions in select locations in six markets.

Called "Scrubology", the retail concept feature approximately 600 to 1,500 sq. ft. of space within Sears and Kmart stores, dedicated to the uniform needs of professionals who work as doctors, nurses, veterinarians, lab technicians and more.

The willingness of discount-store shoppers to pay a premium for products with a celebrity connection will be put to the test next week when the new line of William Rast apparel hits Target stores. The line includes premium denim, leather and outerwear items with prices beginning at $16.99 and extending all the way to the department store territory of $199.99. The limited duration merchandising initiative is due to hit stores on Dec.19 and runs through Jan. 22.

Atlanta -- Atlanta-based Jones Lang LaSalle said it has added local playhouse theatre company Broadway Classics Productions to Harrisburg Mall.

Located in a former anchor store situated off of Center Court, Broadway Classics Productions opened on Nov. 19.

The theater expects 200 to 300 people per show, with three to four shows per week.

DALLAS - Blockbuster has announced the launch of its first national television advertising campaign in three years. For the first time since 2007, the company will promote itself on every major network and cable networks with its campaign, "Less Waiting. More Watching." The 30-second spot debuted Nov. 22 on programs like NBC's "Today" show and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars: Finale."

By Carsten Thoma, [email protected]

Mobile is not just another customer communications channel; it is rapidly evolving into an effective commerce channel. Strengthening the link between existing channels such as physical and online stores, mobile now enables customers to start shopping using their mobile devices and finish the process online, via a contact center, in the brick-and-mortar store, or even on the mobile device itself.

San Francisco — Gap has joined the growing ranks of retailers opening holiday pop-ups. The chain has teamed with the New York City hipster publication Cool Hunting to open a temporary store at Gap's 5th Avenue and 54th Street gallery space. It will be open through Jan. 2, 2011, and feature more than 100 products hand-selected by Cool Hunting's editors.