Events

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is using the power of social media to help raise money for needy schools. The retailer has launched a campaign via its Facebook page that will enable fans to vote for schools they think deserve a share of Target's $5 million “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.

Lakewood, Colo. -- Outlet and value shopping center Colorado Mills announced the hiring of Deborah Celaya as director of marketing and business development.

In her new role, Celaya will be responsible for strategic marketing, business development, public relations, tenant relations, guest services and tourism.

Celaya most recently held a senior executive position at Race Partners, and has previously served as group VP for General Growth Properties.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Walmart Canada has invited more than 550 kids and 350 parents to participate in the first-ever Great Big Toy Testing Event. Taking place on July 21, the event gives kids and parents the opportunity to interact with more than 100 toys and will help the retailer determine the top toy list for the 2012 holiday season.

Dollar General shoppers have until Aug. 19 to participate in a PepsiCo cause marketing initiative involving country mega star Brad Paisley.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion continues to roll out its new brand strategy, this time bringing the program to 269 stores in North Carolina and South Carolina, including its headquarter city of Salisbury, N.C. 

Food Lion's brand strategy offers customers lower prices on 6,000 items throughout the store and access to quality store brand products at lower prices, including the company's my essentials value tier, as well as enhanced produce and an easy and convenient shopping experience, such as faster checkout.

New York -- Virgin Mobile will open a flagship on Thursday in Chicago, the New York Times reported. The wireless company, which is owned by Sprint, hopes to build awareness of its brand by redefining the relationship between the customer and the carrier, according to the report.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has launched an iPad app to help customers find everything they need for their next project.

“Our customers crave fresh inspiration delivered to them through a variety of means. What we have accomplished with the Jo-Ann app for iPad is consolidating all of these inspiration sources into one highly engaging experience called the Idea Center,” said Riddi Kline, SVP and chief marketing officer for Jo-Ann.

In an effort to promote retail entrepreneurism among today’s youth, Jones Lang LaSalle is inviting kids ranging from six to 15 years of age to participate in its “Kids, Inc.” program. The program will be hosted at select Jones Lang LaSalle-managed shopping centers throughout the United States.