Retailer Campaigns

The Home Depot is bringing back its Spring Black Friday event, which it describes as a weekend of regional savings on hundreds.

The sales begin April 4.           

"We see increased traffic in our stores during the spring season as customers kick-off their home improvement projects," said Craig Menear, executive VP merchandising. "In a recovering housing market, we know our consumers are continuing to look for ways to affordably improve their homes.”

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Quarterly net earnings at Shoe Carnival fell to $3.2 million, compared with $3.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 13.1% to $205.7 million from $181.9 million, and same-store sales edged up 0.5%.

For the full year, profit rose to $29.3 million from $26.4 million, sales increased 12.1% to $855 million, and same-store sales advanced 4.5%.

In fiscal 2013, the company said it expects to open 30 to 35 new stores, relocate seven stores and close five to seven stores.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion has launched its "Hunger Has a Cure" campaign to support Feeding America and its network of local food banks. The two-week campaign, which allows customers to donate in $1 or $3 increments at the register, runs through April 16 and will help feed local families in need.

Here’s an interesting take on pop-up stores by Felicity Pogson, associate design director, interiors, Dalziel & Pow, London:

Collective Bias, the Bentonville, Ar.-based company pioneering the field of social shopper media, secured $10.5 million in funding.

The funding is expected to help the innovative media company continue to drive growth by creating greater engagement among shoppers, brands and retailers. The firms said 2012 was its third consecutive year of triple digit growth and the series A funding round led by Updata Partners represents the opportunity for Collective Bias to accelerate key business initiatives including expansion to international markets.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — The Safeway Foundation has launched its annual April fundraising campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and a range of organizations that help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.

The company's Support for People with Disabilities campaign, along with other fundraising activities, have contributed more than $140 million to Easter Seals, Special Olympics and an array of organizations that assist people with special needs.  

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and leading grocery suppliers, including Campbell's Soup, ConAgra Foods, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, General Mills, Kraft Foods Group, Kellogg Company, Mondelez International, Nestle USA, PepsiCo and Unilever, have joined forces to engage millions of customers and Walmart associates this spring and bring much needed food and funding to nonprofit organizations that work to fight hunger.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has brought back its Great Gas Rollback program, helping customers save on their fuel purchases. Walmart customers using a Walmart gift card will receive a 10 cent per gallon discount; customers who use a Walmart MoneyCardor Walmart Credit Card will save 15 cents per gallon on their fuel purchase.

Gas will be discounted at more than 1,000 Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations located at Walmart stores in 21 participating states.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has selected OMD to be its new media planning and buying agency of record. OMD will be responsible for U.S. and Puerto Rico activity related to traditional, multicultural, digital and mobile media planning and buying. The business will be led from OMD’s Chicago office.

MAITLAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets is supporting the March of Dimees with a new fundraising campaign taking place April 6 through the 27.

The cutout campaign coincides with March for Babies, the March of Dimes signature event, which occurs on April 27 in most areas. Associates will sell the cutouts at the checkout and ask customers to sign their name or the name of a baby they love, creating an impressive in-store display.