Events

Walmart is looking to increase its support of community food programs with a new "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign this spring.

The national initiative will invite the public to take action in the fight against hunger. Working with some of the nation’s leading food companies –- Campbell’s, ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Kellogg Company, Kraft, and Unilever–- Walmart is offering the 140 million customers that shop at its stores each week three easy ways to help families in need in their local communities.

Leslie’s Poolmart Inc. plans to make a splash in select cities this month as it opens 15 new retail locations throughout the United States on April 9.

During the store grand openings between April 9 and April 13, customers will receive 20% off most everything in the store. Each store's grand opening will also be celebrated with a ribbon cutting and other events.

99 Cents Only Stores is accelerating its expansion plan with several new stores planned for 2015.

The retailer just opened nearly 10 new stores this week in California, and plans to open more later this year.

The company says it will celebrate its store openings this week in California by selling flat screen LCD TVs for only 99 cents to the first nine customers in line on Grand Opening Day. The next 99 customers in line on opening day may purchase an iron for only 99 cents. Other 99 cent deals will follow for additional customers.

New York – Lane Bryant is launching its #ImNoAngel omnichannel spring campaign Monday, April 6. The #ImNoAngel campaign, conceptualized by creative agency- Laird+Partners, kicks off with a series of TV advertisements and photographs taken by photographer Cass Bird.

The comprehensive national advertising campaign will feature Bird's images and video across Lane Bryant's stores and social media channels, as well as on billboards, public transportation (including on buses and subways), television and in print.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart is launching the spring “Fight Hunger. Spark Change” campaign, a nationwide initiative inviting the public to take action in the fight against hunger. Working with food companies including Campbell’s, ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Kellogg Company, Kraft, and Unilever, Wal-Mart aims to donate up to $3 million to Feeding America based on customer participation in the #WeSparkChange social media challenge.

New York -- The socially conscious outdoor brand Patagonia has embarked on a coast-to-coast tour to encourage people to repair their existing clothes rather than buy new ones. The message, which reflects the brand's socially conscious, environmental positioning, comes at a time of rising popularity for lower-priced fast-fashion items that sometimes are discarded after just a couple of wearings.

Barnes & Noble is trying to attract more educators to its stores by hosting a week of appreciation days in April.

During its Spring Educator Appreciation Days from April 11-19, Barnes & Noble will offer pre-K-12 public, private and homeschool educators and administrators special discounts, events, sweepstakes and giveaways.

Special discount offerings include:

Sellers of opening price point apparel may find themselves at odds with outdoor lifestyle brand Patagonia, which has embarked on a coast-to-coast tour to encourage people to repair their clothes rather than buy new.

Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy are teaming up to support an organization that promotes youth participating in golf.

The retailers said they will be giving as much as $1 million to the First Tee, an organization focused on positive youth development through the game of golf.

Books-A-Million is trying to increase brand loyalty with two new omnichannel marketing campaigns celebrating customers.

During the month of April, the retailer will host Customer Appreciation Month. The campaign kicks off with Educator Week on April 4 and wraps up with Geek Week, which will offer Stars Wars events and comic book giveaways.