Events

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is turning 70, and to mark the special anniversary the specialty fabric and craft retailer is launching a “Share Your Story” sweepstakes on its Facebook page. 

Customers share their favorite Jo-Ann memories and each week, from July 28 through August 19, two random entrants will be chosen to win $100 Jo-Ann gift cards for a total of six winners. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

The Global Market Development Center has appointed Jason Weber as its new member services manager and Joshua Manweiler as its new communications specialist as part of its strategy to enhance membership services. 

New York -- Fashion designer and retailer Kenneth Cole is partnering with the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots on the launch of a limited-edition capsule shoe collection arriving in stores for the holiday season.

To promote the launch, a designated area in front of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street in Manhattan) will encourage passersby to try and win a pair of Kinky Boots tickets by following @kennethcoleprd and @kinkybootsbway and Instagraming a photo of their "kinky" shoes using #KCKinkyboots.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Home furnishings retailer West Elm is heading to the Midwest and getting set to open its first-ever retail store in St. Louis, Mo., Thursday, July 25.

Minneapolis -- Target is making a concerted effort to pick up business from college students with a multifaceted omni-channel marketing campaign. At the center of the campaign is the Bullseye University Digital Experience, a new live online experience featuring popular YouTube personalities in a digital dorm. From July 15-18, college kids will be able to shop products from the digital dorm rooms, interact with the YouTube personalities, enter to win prizes and participate in live-streamed events such as concerts and workout sessions.

Abilene, Texas -- Sam’s Club will open a 136,000-sq. ft. relocated club today in Abilene, Texas. Mayor Norm Archibald and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Redcoat Committee are scheduled to attend the grand opening.

NEW ALBANY — Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is taking its 2013 Stars on the Rise back-to-school campaign, featuring a group of up-and-coming actors, to the digital arena with a new mobile app that offers potential shoppers an interactive experience. 

NEW YORK — Macy’s is getting social, and that’s the place to be when reaching out to potential shoppers who are getting ready to go back to school. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears was arguably synonymous with its “Big Book” catalog, but as the world became more technologically advanced and look books went digital, the retailer bade its catalog and catalog stores farewell and shifted to a new retail model of locally owned and operated dealer stores. 

ATLANTA — Lowe’s has donated $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America so the organization can refurbish clubs across the country. Lowe's grants of up to $50,000 will fund repairs and renovations at 20 Boys & Girls Clubs, from northern Washington State to South Florida.