Loyalty Marketing

New York - Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a user-generated content hub on Saks.com called #SaksStyle. Created by Curalate on its Fanreel image integration platform, #SaksStyle will function as a daily go-to guide for fashion inspiration created solely by Saks customers, highlighting products purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue locations nationwide and online.

For the third year in a row, leading U.S. no-contract cell phone service provider Straight Talk Wireless will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for every demonstration given at more than 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide on Saturdays in September as part of the “Give A Minute, Help Make-A-Wish” program.

Amazon has rolled out KDP Kids, a program designed to help children’s book authors prepare, publish and promote both illustrated and chapter books in Kindle Stores worldwide.

Children’s book authors can use Amazon’s new Kindle Kids’ Book Creator tool to create illustrated children’s books that take advantage of Kindle features like text popups. Once the book is ready, authors can upload it to KDP, and use KDP’s category, age and grade range filters to help Amazon customers choose the right books for their kids.

Ottawa, Canada - Trying to stay competitive with Amazon.com on price may not be the best path to success for department store and discount retailers. According to pricing analysis of 1,000-plus household goods based on Amazon’s own assortment relative to Kohl’s, Walmart, Target and Macy’s conducted by 360pi and Retail Systems Research from March-June 2014, Kohl’s was consistently 30%-60% above Amazon’s pricing for this sample, but also reported the healthiest financials of the group.

Kmart is gearing up for the holiday shopping season and reminding customers, including Shop Your Way members, of its No Money Down Layaway program, which is now available.

Kohl’s and AwesomenessTV have teamed up to launch S.o. R.a.d., a seven capsule limited-edition junior’s fashion line and Life’s S.o. R.a.d., an original four season YouTube series featuring top teen influencers.

The first S.o. R.a.d. junior’s capsule will launch at Kohl’s and Kohls.com Sept. 22.

Los Angeles – Guitar Center is launching the fourth installment of its omnichannel “Guitar Center’s Singer-Songwriter,” offering aspiring singer-songwriters across the country the chance to take their careers to the next level, on Sep. 1. The winner of Guitar Center's Singer-Songwriter 4 will have the opportunity to record a four-song E.P with producer Don Was, perform to a national television audience on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” new gear, $25,000 cash and more.

The Mall at Short Hills (New Jersey) will launch the holidays with its 13th annual “Santa Paws” promotion, as shoppers have pictures taken with Santa--pets in tow. On Nov. 9 and Nov. 16, shoppers will bring their canine companions--in costume, if desired--to the Ice Palace at Grand Court on the lower level of The Mall at Short Hills and have a holiday photo taken.