Events

Apple is training the next generation of coders — in its stores.   The company is expanding its Apple Camp workshops to include a course designed to teach children the basics of coding, Techcrunch reported.   The “Coding Games and Programming Robots” course, open to children ages 8 to 12, will also allow kids to program Sphero robots.   

Timberland announced a goal to double its footprint in five U.S. cities by 2020 -- but not in the conventional year.   Each year for the next five years, the brand will choose a different city with a Timberland  store, and match its retail floor space with the creation or restoration of an equivalent amount of green space in that city.  

Long dependent on low prices to draw customers to stores, Walmart is trying a new traffic-boosting tactic: fun.

Fans of Harley-Davidson can immerse themselves in the brand at the new “1903—A Harley Davidson Cafe” in downtown Toronto.   Named for the year the company  was founded, the 4,200-sq.-ft. café features a biker-themed décor inspired by the history of the 114-year-old brand. Folks who have never hopped on a Harley can get a taste of the experience by taking a test ride on the JumpStart ride simulator.  

The nation’s highest-profile electric car-marker is taking an unusual route to get its product out in front of potential customers.

Image credit: Ted Eytan, CC by 2.0   While many retailers are focused on making stores a destination to experience, some aim for an even higher level of customer engagement by casting themselves in the role of community center.     Others have even become a global destination for enthusiasts. These retailers understand that one way to energize a fervent fan base is to offer a singular fan base. Here are a few examples:   

Henry Ford Health System, a six-hospital system headquartered here, and Kroger on Wednesday announced a new partnership designed to answer common dietary health questions and help consumers eat and shop healthier.

Henry Ford LiveWell Wednesdays debuts June 1 at all 126 Kroger stores throughout Michigan. Every Wednesday, Henry Ford will provide Kroger shoppers with a healthy recipe developed by registered dietitian nutritionists. Shoppers will receive a brochure including a list of all ingredients needed for the recipe and a link to a video cooking demonstration.

Cotton lovers in the Boston area have a two-day opportunity to shop an in-store collection before it becomes available online.
 
Rue La La has partnered with promotional group Cotton Inc. for a second year. To kick off the collaborations, the brands will launch a custom-developed pop-up shop. The co-branded #SummerofCotton pop-up shop will be located on Newbury Street in Boston for two days, June 4-5.
 

At a time when the world of commercial real estate continues to evolve in new and different directions, many traditional malls find themselves at crossroads. To survive, mall owners and operators must make significant and sometimes dramatic changes in order to remain commercially relevant and financially viable.
 

A 60,000-sq.-ft. Crayola Experience has opened at Mall of America, giving the massive shopping center yet another experiential component to generate traffic.
 
The Crayola Experience is a family attraction that features 25 hands-on activities inspired by Crayola products and technologies and there is also The Crayola Store offering the world's largest selection of Crayola products and unique souvenirs.