Events

Total U.S. shopper traffic in retail stores and malls for July 2012

This July, Americans celebrated their independence with barbeques, fireworks and shopping. With Independence Day, July 4, falling on a Wednesday, more consumers than usual took the entire week off. This extra vacation time provided more free time to shop compared to last year’s Fourth of July holiday. July’s retail foot traffic increased 8.1% compared to the previous month and increased 4.6% compared to the same period last year.

To understand what makes Target cool look no further than the Olympics.

Target doesn’t have any stores in London, the United Kingdom or Europe. Its first international stores won’t open until next year and those are located in Canada.

NEW YORK — Avery Dennison's office and consumer products division and the UPS Store have signed on as the inaugural sponsors of  Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's"American Made," a multimedia celebration of American artists, artisans and entrepreneurs. The program will celebrate 10 rising stars from a range of lifestyle arenas in a special feature in the November issue of Martha Stewart Living.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Whole Foods is spreading the word on the benefits of consuming organic foods and leading a healthy lifestyle, by teaming up with educational media brand, PBS Kids to launch the "Fantastic Organic" campaign.

Target is engaging Facebook to help determine how half of a $5 million back-to-school donation is allocated.

The retailer plans to donate $5 million to schools as part of its “Give With Target” initiative this fall. The two-part giving campaign provides $2.5 million in grants to in-need schools, as well as up to $2.5 million in Target GiftCards to local schools through votes on Target’s Facebook page.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air has signed on as the exclusive major appliance sponsor of the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival.

This 2012 Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival will feature more than 50 events including wine seminars, unique dining experiences, and cooking demonstrations. The event will host more than 130 celebrated chefs and 200 acclaimed wineries, with proceeds raised benefiting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.

NEW YORK — Gap has launched its Shine On campaign, which features a ballerina, comedian, DJ, violinist and anti-bullying advocate alongside the winners of Gap’s sixth annual casting call contest.

General Growth Properties malls across the country have partnered with online charity DonorsChoose.org for its Celebrate Schools! philanthropic initiative. 

The partnership is designed to shine the spotlight on the importance of a quality education and assist local schools and teachers with much-needed supplies and funding.