Cross-Merchandising

A strong roster of rock icons is coming to Lucky Brand stores and wholesale customers thanks to a licensing deal with Epic Rights.

Lucky Brand will create a new line of tops and headwear that feature artists represented by Epic Rights including KISS, Journey, Def Leppard, Billy Idol, The Doobie Brothers, Jefferson Airplane and CBGB.  The apparel will be sold exclusively at Lucky Brand retail and wholesale locations nationwide and online beginning in spring 2016.

The J.C. Penney Co. Inc. is reportedly planning to overhaul how it serves plus-size customers with a new in-store and online format called “The Boutique.” According to Women’s Wear Daily, Penney will open dedicated plus-size “The Boutique” sections of 12 stores

Star Wars merchandise is shaking up the busy fall retail season, according to a new report.

According to new research from 360pi, between Sept. 4 and 10, Star Wars-themed toys comprised nearly two in 10 of the daily top 100 best selling toys on Amazon, dethroning bestsellers Cards Against Humanity, Crayola and Exploding Kittens, and replacing traditional Lego items with Star Wars-themed versions.

Crocs Inc. has promoted one of its marketing directors to be the company's next CMO.

The company announced that Terence Reilly was promoted to senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In this new role, Reilly will continue to lead the Global Marketing team in Niwot, Colo., providing strategic direction and support to the company's regional and country marketing teams across the globe. Reilly will continue to oversee all aspects of Crocs' marketing, including the company's brand, advertising, consumer and social media campaigns.

CBL is giving shoppers with kids a fun reason to visit its centers.

CBL & Associates Properties and Playtime have entered into a multi-year partnership with Fisher-Price, Inc., a leading infant and preschool toy manufacturers, and a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., to design soft play areas at select CBL centers nationwide.

Books-A-Million is teaming up with the nation’s largest children’s literacy organizations on a campaign that is sure to appeal to its core customers.

Through Sept. 19, customers at Books-A-Million can make a donation to Reading Is Fundamental. No purchase is necessary to donate, and contributions can be made at all Books-A-Million locations. Customers will receive an exclusive bookmark stating that they donated to Reading Is Fundamental.

Retailers that depend on Disney products for a big chunk of sales are in for a treat compliments of the company’s new “Star Darlings” line.

Arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby is embarking on a mission to give away millions of Christmas gifts to chidren in need this holiday season, a mission that will likely appeal to many consumers in its target market.

The retailer announced is partnering with the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, Operation Christmas Child, which is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham.