Retailer Campaigns

With 329 stores in China producing $7.5 billion in sales annually, Walmart has experienced dramatic growth since it entered the market in 1996 with two stores. Last year, the company pursued its most aggressive expansion to date with the opening of 49 stores, and at a meeting for financial analysts earlier this week in Shenzhen, China, senior executives detailed plans to get a lot bigger.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target announced that as part of its Earth Month celebration, it is offering customers the chance to win a "Refresh Your Nest" home makeover worth up to $50,000 with the help of LEED accredited designer Sabrina Soto, as well as hundreds of other sustainable prizes. Guests can log on to Target.com/Eco to enter the sweepstakes.

The Target.com/Eco site also features sustainable products for purchase, sustainable decorating tips from Soto and coupons for use at Target stores.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Procter & Gamble announced that it has teamed up with its grocery retail partners to create a mobile app designed to help consumers live and shop more sustainably. The app, called "My Carbon Footprint," works on iPhone, iPad or Droid devices is an interactive, social media-enabled carbon footprint gauge powered by P&G's Future Friendly initiative, P&G reported. It will become available on Earth Day, April 22.

PARIS  -- L'Oreal Paris announced that it has named Madame Ines de la Fressange as its latest ambassador.

"Ines de la Fressange, our new L'Oreal Paris spokeswoman, has divine grace, that very contemporary way of being a woman, at once free, unexpected and mesmerizing. An accomplished model, mother and designer, she leads a full life. I am delighted that she is bringing that irresistible 'je ne sais quoi' to the brand," says Cyril Chapuy, global brand president L'Oreal Paris.

Chicago – Bar-and-restaurant concept Bar Louie said Tuesday it is undertaking a major national expansion initiative of more than 100 new locations in 20 markets nationwide and has appointed Jones Lang LaSalle as its exclusive real estate advisor.

Jones Lang LaSalle will work in tandem with Bar Louie’s real estate team and select brokers in various markets to leverage both tenant-favorable conditions, as well as the availability of vacant full-amenity restaurant space located within high-density urban and suburban markets.

San Francisco -- Madison Marquette has announced the return of its retail business incubator program it calls Retail Star.

As part of the program, Madison Marquette is on the hunt for the third consecutive year to find entrepreneurs with new viable retail concepts.

The competition returns to Bayfair Center, in San Leandro, Calif., and kicks-off for the first time this year at Bay Street, in Emeryville, Calif., according to Madison Marquette.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate said its Kudos brand will debut a new-and-improved line of granola bars this May.

Kudos will don flavors from M&M's, Dove and Snickers in a 10-count pack and a 30-count variety pack.

What's more, a marketing campaign will kick off to celebrate the Kudos granola bars, which will include a refreshed website at Kudosbar.com and cross promotions with others Mars Chocolate brands.

Kudos 10-count and 30-count variety packs will retail for $2.99 and $6.99, respectively.

Katy, Texas -- Houston-area sports retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors announced Tuesday that it will enter the Atlanta market with a new store opening on April 1.

The 70,000-sq.-ft. store is located in McDonough, and is the chain’s fourth store in Georgia.

NEW YORK -- Macy's and makeup artist Bobbi Brown have teamed up to support Dress For Success, the international nonprofit that promotes economic independence for disadvantaged women by providing a network of support to help women thrive in work and in life.

Macy's customers can now purchase an exclusinve set of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics;100% of the purchase price of the set will benefit Dress For Success Worldwide. The set retails for $60 (valued at $121) and will be available while supplies last.

The Target brand was a big winner over the weekend, as Dario Franchitti piloted the number10 car of Target Chip Gansassi Racing to victory in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The race through the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Fl, consisted of 100 laps over a 1.8 mile, 14 turn course, and the distinctive red and white Target car was featured extensively during television coverage. To watch highlights of the race, click here.