Loyalty Marketing

WAYNE, N.J. — Get them in early and often seems to be the motto for Toys”R”Us this year, as the toy retailer is hoping new initiatives will encourage customers shop for holiday toys well before December.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer's "Simply Give Week" garnered more than $145,000 in donations from its customers. The effort, combined with the commitment from Meijer to double all donations made Sept. 2 to 8, brought the week's total donation to $437,400, Meijer co-chairman Hank Meijer said.

Meijer launched Simply Give Week to support Hunger Action Month in September and highlights its continuing commitment to hunger relief.

New York -- Toys “R” Us’ holiday 2012 plans include a “hot toy” reservation program, free and expanded layaway services and offering more exclusive toys from branded manufacturers along with more proprietary products. The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer also will open 150 to 200 temporary locations for the holidays under the Toys “R” Us Express banner.

And the award for most effective use of social media in the pet category goes to…

Global pet care leader Nestle Purina has created a new national contest called "The Friskies" with a $15,000 grand prize that is sure to set off a new round of online cat videos.

According to the company, many great art forms have awards for the best new work created each year. Films have the Oscars, TV shows have the Emmys and now Internet cat videos have The Friskies.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald’s Corp. reported Tuesday that same-store sales overall increased 3.7% in the month of August.

By segment, same-store sales rose 3% in the U.S., 3.1% in Europe, and a hearty 5.7% in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Systemwide sales for the month increased 1.2%.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is offering a deluxe edition of Taylor Swift's upcoming fourth album, "Red." The deluxe edition of the album is available only at Target, and includes six bonus tracks (three new songs and three remixes). The exclusive edition of “Red” will be available for pre-order on Sept. 16, and at Target stores and on Target.com starting Oct. 22.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Stop & Shop has expanded its gas rewards programs to customers in New Jersey.