Packaging

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble has announced that it will celebrate Black History Month with special events and promotions recognizing the significant contributions by African-Americans to the world’s social, political and economic development. Throughout February, Barnes & Noble stores will host Storytime events, promotions and celebrity appearances in stores and online at Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com).

New York City -- Ron Johnson, CEO of J.C. Penney, unveiled his hotly anticipated vision for the chain’s future on Wednesday. The chain is looking to transform itself and the entire department store shopping experience with a three-pronged pricing structure, far less promotional clutter, and in-store shops (as many as 80 to 100) within its stores.

Called the "fair and square" pricing strategy, the new model is designed to offer appealing initial prices that are not confused by multiple promotions, deep discounts and daily sales. 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club has expanded its Simply Right brand to include a line of quality and affordable vitamins, the retailer announced.

Sam's Club said its brand, which replaces its Member's Mark line, features refined packaging and vitamins that are formulated to deliver the same benefits in a smaller pill, making it ideal for members and families who have difficulty swallowing pills, Sam's Club said. The line includes triple strength fish oil, Co Q-10 softgels, glucosamine HCl and vitamin D3.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has reintroduced its Guaranteed Value product line in an effort to help customers on a budget.

The line, which includes about 200 items, touts prices that are an average of 20% to 25% less than national brands. What's more, 60% of the items cost $2 or less. What's more, packaging for items that are part of Guaranteed Value have undergone a makeover, with the yellow, blue and red packaging being replaced with a bright orange and white design that highlights the value offered with each product.

LOS ANGELES — Kohl's has signed on as the exclusive retail partner of "¡Q’viva! The Chosen," a documentary celebrating Latin culture, music, and dance is making its Spanish-language U.S. debut January 28, 2012 on Univision and will also air on leading networks throughout the Americas, according to a press statement released by Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Jamie King, Simon Fuller and XIX Entertainment.

NEW YORK — Although online sales grew 15% from 2010 to 2011, many retailers' online ordering, shipping and returns processes failed to keep pace, according to management consultancy Kurt Salmon's rankings of 50 retailers.

New York City -- Although online sales grew 15% from 2010 to 2011, many retailers' online ordering, shipping and returns processes failed to keep pace, according to management consultancy Kurt Salmon's rankings of 50 retailers.

Philadelphia -- Bailey Brand Consulting, one of the largest branding and design firms in metro Philadelphia, recently completed the corporate re-branding for Liz Claiborne Inc., which will now be called Fifth and Pacific Companies. The new name and corporate logos will be effective on or about May 15.