Marketing Tactics

PALATINE, Ill. — Weber-Stephen Products has released its first digital book: "Weber's Time to Grill: Get In. Get Out. Get Grilling," available for download on the iBookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Written by New York Times best-selling cookbook author and James Beard Award nominee Jamie Purviance, "Time to Grill," released in a soft-cover format in 2011, has sold more than 260,000 copies to date.

The Philadelphia chocolate-and-peanut bar that started as a World War I ration is back — even though it didn't really go anywhere. Candy company Just Born announced that it has overhauled its Peanut Chews' brand image to better reflect its roots.

CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group Inc., a provider of innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and healthcare companies, has named Beverly Grant as president of retail solutions. She will report to Mark Parise, president of IRI, SymphonyIRI.

NEW YORK — Nine West has launched a new YouTube network called Channel 9 that will feature premium programming and user-generated content.

New York -- California and Indiana have the highest statewide sales taxes in the country, but Tennessee and Arizona take top billing when local sales taxes are added to the calculation, according to a new analysis by the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that monitors fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels.

St. Louis -- Forty-five percent of customers shopping in-store at bricks-and mortar-locations will walk out and complete their purchase online for a discount as low as 2.5%, according to new showrooming research from GroupM Next.

This number jumps to 60% of shoppers who will leave and purchase a product online for a savings of 5%. When discovering an online discount of 20%, a small percentage of shoppers (13%) stay and complete their purchase in store.

New York -- The Jones Group said Tuesday that its Nine West banner has launched a new YouTube network called Channel 9 that will feature premium programming and user-generated content.

"What we are creating goes far beyond providing branded content," said Richard Dickson, Jones Group president and CEO. "Channel 9 is a new and innovative first-to-market portal for the footwear and fashion obsessed that will bring brand adjacent content and entertainment to viewers.”

The retail industry, yours truly included, has had a watchful eye on J.C. Penney ever since CEO Ron Johnson took over and announced his plans to revamp the iconic retailer. Many experts have shared their concerns over the new direction and, as the second quarter numbers would indicate, cause for concern is clearly warranted. With overall sales plummeting nearly $1 billion dollars, and earnings plunging from an expected $41 million profit to an $81 million loss, the company is down $1.7 billion in sales and $260 million in earnings in the first half of the year, compared to 2011.

NEW YORK — Stacy London, host of TLC's "What Not To Wear," will serve has host during New York & Company's Fashion's Night Out event on Sept. 6.

The retailer's participation in the event will include an in-store DJ at its 58th & Lexington Store, who will spin music while London and her team help style customers.

NEW YORK — Customers who shop at Macy's and Macys.com on Aug. 25 can feel extra good, as the money raised during this charity shopping event will help support March of Dimes, a leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.