Marketing Tactics

As we transition into fall, let’s bid a fond farewell to summer 2013 by looking at how Benson’s Homemade Ice Cream, an independent seasonal ice cream parlor in the idyllic community of Boxford, Mass., uses Facebook in ways that larger retailers may want to emulate.

Real information in real time

Chicago — C. Michelle Panovich, principal and executive VP, Mid-America Asset Management will receive the Lifetime Industry Leadership Award at the 12th annual Real Estate Gala hosted by the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University. The event will take place on Nov. 7.

Christopher G. Kennedy, chairman of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, will keynote the event, which draws more than 400 attendees annually and benefits Roosevelt’s real estate program.

Ripon, Calif. — Togo's Eateries has announced the opening of its first location in Ripon, Calif.

The restaurant will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 5 at 11:30 a.m. In addition, a grand opening celebration has been planned for Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Togo's in Ripon will also offer online ordering and catering services for in-store pick up.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Designer Shoe Warehouse — DSW — has announced plans for a new store at The Shops At La Palmera, a 200,000-sq.-ft. outdoor shopping center in Corpus Christie, Texas, according to Trademark Property Company.

Construction has begun on the 18,000-square-foot DSW, which is located adjacent to Catherine’s. This is the first Corpus Christi location for DSW Inc., which is scheduled to open in early 2014.

Benicia, Calif. — Cycle Gear Inc. has announced the chain’s first Wisconsin store in Brookfield, a suburb of Milwaukee. With this new location, Cycle Gear now operates more than 100 stores in 29 states.

The Brookfield store is now open now and will have a grand opening celebration from Sept. 13 to Sept. 15 featuring sales and vendor appearances.

SAN FRANCISCO — Online retailer Piperlime continues to grow its Guest Editor program. The program's most recent addition is actress Jessica Alba, who will join current guest editors Rachel Zoe and Olivia Palermo to launch the fall 2013 season.

The partnership kicks off today, giving customers access to Alba's product picks, favorite trends and fall must-haves.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell’s Chunky soup, the official soup sponsor of the NFL, is renewing the Mama’s Boy campaign for the 2013 season, this time tapping Green Bay Packers linebacker and Super Bowl XLV champion Clay Matthews as its spokesperson.

In conjunction with the new ad campaign, Campbell will kick off the upcoming season with three new soups inspired by a classic sports pub menu: Hearty Cheeseburger, Spicy Chicken Quesadilla and Philly-Style Cheesesteak.

FREEPORT, Maine — L.L.Bean has introduced the One Fund Boston Tote made from the tarp used to protect the Fenway Park infield during its 100th anniversary in 2012.

The limited edition version of the company’s signature tote celebrates the spirit of Boston and its people, with 100% of the profits going to The One Fund Boston.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion will kick off its Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Fall Football Campaign this week. The campaign will run through Sept. 17 to support local children and their families receiving medical care from 26 children's hospitals.

DALLAS — 7-Eleven stores have introduced a Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll, the retailer's first warm bakery offering and the first Pillsbury-branded fresh-bakery item with a convenience retailer.

Available with hot foods as well as in the fresh bakery case at participating stores, 7-Eleven's sweetly spiced will be available for purchase for $1.69 each.