Retailer Campaigns

New York -- J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson is taking over direct responsibility for marketing in the wake of the departure of Michael Francis, who left the company abruptly on Monday, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

Speculation has been raging about the reasons behind Francis’ sudden exit after just eight months on the job. In the article, Johnson blamed it on the fact that J.C. Penney’s marketing had not resonated with its core customer and that he “had to get involved.”

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets has raised $191,000 in donations and pet supplies for 94 local animal shelters and rescue organizations in its five state market area through its Paws for Pets program, nearly double the total raised in 2011.

The four-week program ran through Memorial Day weekend in the Company's stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.  During this time, 64 stores also hosted pet adopt-a-thon events with local pet organizations.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif — Struggling specialty retailer PacSun is hoping a new campaign and some re-branding will help turn things around. To rebuild its image, the company has enlisted Juxt Interactive to create an immersive brand experience designed to coincide with the formal unveiling of the retailer’s new “Golden State of Mind” positioning, which includes the website GSOM.com, and is supposed to reflect the fluid, relaxed nature of the Golden State.

New York -- Dunkin’ Donuts said Tuesday that New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will partner with the retailer on a series of advertisements and promotions in the New York metro area over the next three years.
 
To kick off the partnership, Manning will star in a series of Dunkin' Donuts advertisements that will launch during the upcoming football season.
 

Charleston, S.C. -- Colonial Candle said it is opening its first retail and research boutique in Charleston, S.C. The 3,000-sq.-ft. flagship store is the 103-year-old candle company's first and only boutique.

Located in The Shops at Charleston Place, the Colonial Candle boutique joins Godiva, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Lacoste at the center.
 
The new store is slated to open in early fall 2012.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Callaway Golf Company has named Harry Arnett as SVP marketing. In this role, Arnett assumes leadership of the company's global marketing, communications and go-to-market functions.  The announcement was made by Chip Brewer, president and CEO, Callaway Golf.

NEW YORK — Macy's has launched its annual summer fundraising campaign for children's literacy. Starting June 22, customers can give $3 to help provide a book for a child in their local communities. Through the program, customers will receive a coupon for $10 off an in-store purchase of $50 or more (certain exclusions apply), and Macy’s will donate 100% of every $3 to Reading Is Fundamental. The five-week fundraising effort ends July 31.

New York -- School is just ending in some areas of the Northeast, and already the first back-to-school shopping survey has been released. The survey, by online shopping site PriceGrabber, reveals that nearly half (46%) of consumers are planning to spend more this back-to-school shopping season than in 2011. In comparison, only 13% of shoppers planned to spend more last year, and this data was reflected in an overall disappointing back-to-school season for retailers in 2011.

Walmart in May continued its heightened level of advertising activity, hitting the market with an increased number of circulars that contained more pages. For a look at how Walmart’s promotional activity stacked up to other leading retailers, click here to see the last monthly data from Market Track.



 

NEW YORK — H&M is launching an exclusive collection this fall from French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela, the apparel retailer said.

Making its official debut Nov. 15, the autumn/winter 2012 collection will include garments and accessories for both men and women, and will be sold at 230 H&M stores, as well as online at HM.com.