Retailer Campaigns

The 13.1% increase in same-store sales Target reported for April was toward the low end of the company’s projection of an increase in the mid-teens, but it doesn’t appear Walmart’s mid-month launch of a new marketing campaign contributed to the weakness.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced the launch of new jewelry line from designer Zaven Ghanimian. Beginning today, the Zeghani bt Simon collection will be available for purchase at Sears stores nationwide as well as online at www.Sears.com/zeghani.

Ghanimian is the son of famed jeweler Simon G and trained at his father's jewelry business before designing his solo collection.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. announced that has teamed up with design expert Debi Lilly to launch an exclusive new line of entertaining and home décor products.

The consulting firm Gravitytank named Bob Thacker as a strategic advisor to help the firm’s consumer electronics, retail, consumer packaged goods and technology clients. Thacker most recently served as SVP of marketing and advertising at OfficeMax and was with Target from 1989 to 1998 as a VP of marketing. He also served as president and CEO of BBDO in Minneapolis and served as an SVP of marketing at Sears.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Kroger and Procter & Gamble have teamed up to support the USO in its efforts to help American troops and their families.

LOS ANGELES -- Ralphs announced that it is continuing its partnership begun last year with Shell to offer participating customers more rewards at the pump. According to the company, Southern Calif.-area customers will now earn double points on qualifying purchases at Ralphs when they buy fuel at participating Shell locations.    

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores announced that beginning April 30, guests in any of its 484 store locations throughout its operating area can help their neighbors affected by the tornadoes and severe storms that swept across the South this week by simply donating through the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program.

Some 115 Simon Property Group malls from coast to coast will celebrate Mother’s Day on May 6, when the nation’s largest mall owner hosts “National Mom's Nite Out.”

While the activities vary across the Simon portfolio of properties, the common theme is to indulge mothers with mini-massages, style presentations, food and beverage sampling, and other networking activities. The event is free for moms of all ages.