Retailer Campaigns

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

Manchester, N.H. -- Clothing retailer Big Dogs has opened a new prototype for future expansion. The new format has opened in three 2,400-sq.-ft. stores, in outlet shopping centers in Alabama, Missouri, and Nevada.

NEW YORK — Macy's is paying homage to the TV sitcom with its new, "What's in Store?" campaign.

The campaign, which debuted on Sept. 10, will consist of a series of comedic shorts featuring new Macy’s Herald Square store manager, Harold, as he collides with the many stars and wacky situations that make the “World’s Largest Store” a haven for the fun and fashionable.

Philadelphia -- Three-fourths (75%) of retailers forecast an increase in holiday sales this year, according to a survey by Hay Group, a global management consultancy.

The annual Seasonal Staffing Survey report also finds that retailers have more confidence in holiday hiring plans. While 57% of retailers plan to hire seasonal workers at the same level as 2011, 36% say they will be hiring more. This stands in contrast to 2011 when just 10% planned to hire more seasonal workers than the year prior.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — The trend of doing away with layaway fees continues, this time with Kmart announcing that it has removed its layaway service fee both in stores and online through Nov. 17.

The retailer follows suit with Toys"R"Us, which said it would drop the $5 upfront service fee and eliminate the minimum purchase requirement for all orders created in stores through Oct. 31 and Walmart, which, while not cutting back its layaway fee, has rolled it back to $5 from $15.

New York -- Nine West has opened the first standalone store for its Vintage America Collection line. The store, in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, reflects the modern bohemian ethos of the brand.

Football fans and chocolate aficionados can satisfy both cravings this season at Walmart thanks to an initiative with Mars Chocolate North America.

The candy company teamed up with Walmart to offer a 40 ounce bag of Snickers limited edition NFL Minis in which product wrappers feature logos of all 32 NFL teams.