Events

Irving, Texas – Paris has inspired great works of art, film and literature, and now the City of Light is inspiring an omnichannel contest at The Michaels Companies Inc. The specialty arts and crafts retailer is preparing for “Springtime in Paris,” a contest where customers will create Parisian-inspired art, or a floral, baking or paper craft project, take a photo and upload it or share on social media.

Michaels is trying to drive digital engagement with customers by giving away the springtime trip of a lifetime. 

The retailer will be offering up a free trip for two to Paris for those who create art and upload it to Michaels' website or social media venues.

Petco is leveraging the popularity of raw pet food by launching a series of educational events at some of its stores.

Starting on March 2, on the first Monday of each month, Unleashed by Petco stores will sample a variety of frozen, dehydrated and freeze-dried raw food and treats and educate customers on the health benefits of raw food as part of the Monday Night Raw Next-Level Nutrition event series.

Amazon.com is looking to push farther into the category of high-end couture, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

The news service reports that Amazon has been embracing more profitable designer fashion by selling clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from pricey brands with luxe reputations.

Earlier this year it was announced that the Internet retailer will be a sponsor of New York Fashion Week this summer. Amazon reportedly also signed a multiyear deal this month to sponsor India Fashion Week, according to Women's Wear Daily.

Seattle - Starbucks has launched its Evenings Program in the U.K., offering a range of meals and shareable hot and cold snacks with premium wines and beers. The newly renovated Stansted Airport store in London, operated in partnership with SSP UK, is the first location to offer Starbucks Evenings, with plans to expand the program to additional stores.

London – Specialty luxury retailer Michael Kors Holdings has joined the ranks of Snapchat users. According to DigiDay, Michael Kors debuted on Snapchat earlier this week during New York Fashion Week, launching exclusive photos from Fashion Week on Snapchat.

Michael Kors has had a longtime social media presence, and was the first retailer to buy an ad on Instagram. Other New York Fashion Week social media activities for Michael Kors included live Internet streaming of the show and a live Twitter chat with the hashtag #AllAccessKors.

Kohl’s is standing behind its stated mission to “give back” to the communities it serves by announcing that it donated nearly $18 million in 2014.

The community grants benefited more than 8,500 nonprofits across the country in 2014 through Kohl’s best-in-class Associates in Action (AiA) volunteer program.

Leading regional supermarket operator Hy-Vee is expanding its relationship with Interactions to provide experiential marketing services.

Interactions says it will engage shoppers through experiential marketing events in 50 store locations in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri, with plans to expand to more than 145 stores throughout the year. In addition to planned event services, Interactions will also collaborate with Hy-Vee to develop additional experiential marketing activities, such as new store openings, community events and Hy-Vee branded programs.