Cross-Merchandising

Speedo USA has expanded its relationship with Sports Authority and is launching a Speedo Aquatic Zone “shop-within-a-shop” retail concept at four Sports Authority locations.

New York -- Make Meaning is expanding its East Coast presence with the opening of its sixth U.S. location, at Bethesda Row in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 9. Make Meaning has five additional locations nationwide – two in New York City, as well as locations in Dedham, Massachusetts, Thousand Oaks, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona. The company plans to roll out additional locations nationwide and abroad.

Leading U.S. toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific has entered into a long-term licensing agreement with Sketchers to manufacture, distribute and market a line of toys and products inspired by the lifestyle and entertainment brand, and the Twinkle Toes children’s footwear brand.

The agreement covers multiple product categories including collectibles, dress-up and role play, Jakks’ miWorld line of miniature play environments, and a line of Skechers Twinkle Toes themed Cabbage Patch Kids, which will launch in June.

Mars Chocolate has announced a slew of new products, which range from Mars Bites to Dove Whole Fruit Dipped in Dark Chocolate.

Mars Bites give consumers a taste of their favorite candy bars in bite-size pieces. Mars is adding Twix, Musketeers and Milky Way bites to the portfolio. The suggested retail price is $1.49 for a 2.83-oz. sharing size. A 6-oz. stand up pouch is available for a SRP of $2.99.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is going to increase its focus on female customers. In a conference call with analysts discussing the company’s first quarter financial results, CEO Ed Stack said that the women’s segment has the most growth potential of any segment Dick’s targets.

New York - Foot Locker Inc. is introducing Eastbay Performance Zone at Champs Sports. The new shop-in-shop destination brings together direct-to-customer athletic apparel retailer Eastbay and Champs Sports.  

New York - Cole Haan is opening The Driver Shop in six retail locations, offering personalization of the driving moccasin with several accessories in dozens of colors. In stores, accessories are available at stations where on-site "mechanics" will outfit Cole Haan Drivers to customer specifications by appointment or while customers wait, or they can return later to pick them up.

Boca Raton, Fla. - Office Depot and OfficeMax are now offering a single, combined insert in Sunday newspapers representing products and services being offered at both brands’ retail stores. The move marks the first advertisement where Office Depot and OfficeMax customers will see the two national brands together as one.

The insert also features tips on additional ways customers can shop via website, mobile app or via phone.

Newell Rubbermaid has opened a state-of-the-art design center in Kalamazoo, Mich., joining a growing list of design-driven companies that recognize design and innovation as a competitive advantage.

In a case of art imitating life, Walmart stores are featuring a pallet display of paperback books featuring a fictional cowboy who competes in the real world Professional Bull Riders organization led by a former Walmart executive.