Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Jenn-Air, maker of luxury appliances, has launched a new blog to help consumers with their culinary, design and lifestyle needs.

M&M's ® is awarding fans with the ultimate upgrade, giving them the best seats at the Kentucky Speedway.

The "Official Chocolate of NASCAR" is giving four fans upgraded, M&M's ® branded lounge-style seats to watch the No. 18 Toyota car driven by Kyle Busch. The fans will also enjoy Sprint Vision handsets, personal servers and M&M's ®.

M&M's ®  will also offer fans the chance to enjoy ungraded seats at NASCAR races in Bristol, N.H. and Charlotte.

 

OMAHA, Neb. — Country music artist Kellie Pickler has been named the national spokesperson for the ConAgra Foods Foundation Hunger-Free Summer program. The joint effort between the ConAgra Foods Foundation and Feeding America helps provide children with access to nutritious meals, especially in the summer.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us has brought the excitement of "The Amazing Spider-Man" to its customers with a dedicated in-store boutiques and a special display at its Times Square location.

Now available at Toys“R”Us and Toysrus.com  are exclusive The Amazing Spider-Man items, including:

• The Amazing Spider-Man Sling & Soak Water Shooter from Hasbro              

Irving, Texas — Michaels Stores creative expert Jo Pearson will serve as one of three judges on TLC's new competition series, "Craft Wars." The show, hosted and executive produced by celebrity crafter Tori Spelling, premieres June 26 at 10 p.m. Eastern (9 p.m. Central time).

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mattel has renamed its design center at its Southern California headquarters the Handler Team Center in honor of founders Ruth and Elliot Handler.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra – located in Loveland, Colo. – is featuring a repeat of its “Promenade Kid Days” this summer.

The 2012 iteration offers a lineup of educational and entertaining events for children of all ages, held every other Tuesday through Aug. 14.

Each day features themes with corresponding activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides, mini train rides, face painting, balloon art, painting classes and emergency vehicle tours.

All activities are free and open to the public.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is taking “The Amazing Spider-Man” fan experience beyond the big screen with a selection of merchandise inspired by the summer action movie.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Sheets, makers of dissolvable energy strips, has partnered with Walmart and Pitbull to launch a local Facebook page contest among local Walmart stores, to offer customers the chance to win a visit by Mr. Worldwide.

PHOENIX — Multi-platinum rock star Bret Michaels has partnered with PetSmart to launch a line of pet products. Available exclusively at PetSmart stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and online at www.PetSmart.com, the collection includes toys, beds, apparel, collars, leashes, and bowls.