Cross-Merchandising

Bentonville, Ark. -- Sam's Club is taking on Costco in the auto buying program business by teaming up with one of the biggest names in car-shopping.

The all-new Sam's Club Auto Buying Program will now be powered by TrueCar, Sam's Club announced Thursday. Sams Club says members will have access to more than 10,000 TrueCar Certified Dealers nationwide, more than three times the nearest competitor in the warehouse club channel (i.e., Costco).

Cost Plus World Market is launching a contest aimed at its core shopper market.

Staples is injecting more starpower into its latest promotion aimed at supporting education.

The retailer is building on its decades-long support of teachers, students and education by funding 176 local classroom projects in New York City, as part of its recent $10 million pledge to Think It Up, a new national initiative of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that seeks to inaugurate a new movement in support of students, teachers and schools, helping to create a culture of excitement about learning everywhere in America.

Shoppers at Lowe’s stores in Canada will soon be able to turn their purchases into miles toward air travel.

Williams-Sonoma is spicing up its store format.

The retailer’s new store in Ponce City Market, Atlanta, features a direct opening to a dining venture by celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman. The adjacent restaurant,  due to open in the fall, is being outfitted by Williams-Sonoma.  A glass wall strategically placed between the restaurant and Williams-Sonoma will offer shoppers an exclusive view into the dining room, and also give them inspiration while they shop. The floor plan is the first in Williams-Sonoma’s history with an independent business.

Englewood, Colo. -- Sports Authority wants customers to line up early on Saturday, Sept. 5 for its annual winter sports blowout sale identified for the past 61 years by the quirky name Sniagrab.

Salads and fancy pizza will soon be on the menu at a very limited number of Target locations.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma is spicing up its store format.

The retailer’s new store in Ponce City Market, Atlanta, features a direct pass-through to the latest dining venture by famed chef Jonathan Waxman, with the restaurant outfitted by Williams-Sonoma.