Marketing Tactics

Kendal King Group has created a unique event to be held in Northwest Arkansas later this summer that is designed to simultaneously benefit local charities while commemorating the firm’s 25th anniversary.

The past few months have seen Walmart leverage its 50th anniversary with a wide range of tactics, but one of the company’s most visible actions may occur this weekend.

Inland Diversified Real Estate Services said it has launched a new mobile application designed to enhance customer engagement and retention and interaction with retailers at University Town Center, a neighborhood shopping center in Norman, Okla., that is owned by Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust.

New York -- Disappointing same-store sales results in June weren’t necessarily unexpected, as the month typically trends weaker as shoppers have fewer reasons to shop.

Thomson Reuters, which polls 18 U.S. retail chains, projected its Same-Store Sales Index to inch up 0.5% in June, far below last year’s 6.7% rise for the month. Analysts have said that warm weather may have prompted consumers to make summer apparel purchases earlier than usual, shifting sales from later months like June.

Shoppers at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) stores are being encouraged to think clean this summer as part of a promotion involving Unilever.

The global consumer products company is offering a “Salute to Clean Sweepstakes,” in which customers eligible to shop at AAFES stores can enter to win a $1,000 gift card.

“Exchange shoppers can really clean up this summer,” said AAFES chief of staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels.

The deadline for entry to win one of the 15 gift cards is July 19.

San Francisco -- Westfield Group said that its Westfield San Francisco Centre has added another celebrated chef to its roster with the opening of La Boulange du Dome by French master baker Pascal Rigo on June 25.

North Plainfield, N.J. -- Business appears to be improving, according to a survey by Levin Management Corp. The firm conducted the study among its retail tenants in 90 properties.

The mid-year survey, which polled 250 retailers, indicated positive changes year-over-year. At mid-year 2012, 64.2% of respondents reported the same or higher sales volume compared with this time last year; 35.7% reported lower sales. At mid-year 2011, 50.1% of respondents reported the same or higher sales; 49.8% reported lower sales.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. -- Johnny Rockets said Tuesday it has finalized a franchise agreement with restaurant entrepreneur Antonio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza to open 30 restaurants in Brazil. 

This news follows recent announcements of the chain's new franchise agreements in Peru and Ecuador, as well as the opening of its second restaurant in Chile and its first in the Dominican Republic.

New York -- Energy cost savings, government/utility incentives and rebates, and enhanced brand or public image ranked as the top drivers of energy-efficiency decision-making in the United States and Canada, according to a global survey of building owners and operators and facility managers by Johnson Controls.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has announced that Jordyn Wieber, reigning All-Around World Champion, will serve as an ambassador for P&G Beauty brands, including CoverGirl, Head & Shoulders, Olay and Venus.

Wieber will join fellow teammate Alicia Sacramone as P&G Beauty ambassador, expanding on her existing partnership with P&G and the company's sponsorship of Team USA during the London 2012 Olympic Games.