Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

Multi-platinum R&B recording artist Keyshia Cole and leading footwear designer and marketer Steve Madden are at it again. Cole and Madden announced their second partnership with products to be released this month including a variety of heeled and platform styles, ranging from pumps to gladiators to ankle booties. The shoes will feature new prints and colors, along with the platform and cut-out details that are said to showcase the fusion of Steve Madden's and Keyshia Cole's style.

Sequential Brands Group has appointed leading brand strategist Jameel Spencer as chief marketing officer, reporting directly to CEO Yehuda Shmidman.

Spencer will develop and lead all global marketing initiatives for the company's portfolio of consumer brands which include William Rast, People's Liberation, DVS, Heelys, Caribbean Joe, Ellen Tracy, Revo and The Franklin Mint.

Express has enlisted swimsuit model Kate Upton as its brand ambassador, making her the first celebrity spokesperson to be a part of the brand's ad campaigns in the last decade.

To kick off the partnership, Upton will host the Express Spring-Summer 2014 Runway Show at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla., Thursday, March 13. The retailer will then debut Upton in advertising campaigns beginning fall 2014.

Duck Tape is getting "Ducked Out" for the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMAs), and offering one person a chance to attend the event at Nokia Theatre L.A. April 26.

One winner will receive a trip for five to the RDMAs in Los Angeles, as well as a meet and greet with Radio Disney on-air personality Maddy from "Morgan & Maddy in the Morning."

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has enlisted four craft bloggers from around the country to create the 2014 Spring LookBook, a collection of inspiration based on five spring trends.

Jelly Belly Candy Co. makes more than 100 different flavors of jelly beans, but in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, it's showing some special attention to its green Jelly Belly beans. There are 17 green varieties in all, each containing its own special flavor.

   

Belk is gearing up for its bi-annual Kidfest in-store event Saturday, March 29, from noon–3 p.m. at all locations.

It's an innovative way for the Charlotte, N.C.-based department store, which operates 299 locations in 16 Southern states, generate customer traffic, not to mention buzz among shoppers as moms talk about their kids being in the show.

Saturday Night Live alum and “Parks and Recreation” star Amy Poehler will appear in commercials for Old Navy following last year’s involvement with Best Buy.

Ad Age is reporting that along with starring in the commercials, Poehler will help write and direct them. The first ad, said Ad Age, features Poehler as an executive at a law firm interviewing a job candidate but getting distracted by the woman's outfit from Old Navy.