Marketing Tactics

ATLANTA — The HoneyBaked Ham Company is gearing up for aggressive growth in the Northeastern U.S., and plans to sign more franchise deals in areas where demand for the brand is growing.

Bentonville, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores announced Tuesday it has completed solar projects at eight Walmart stores and two Sam's Clubs across the state of Maryland that will generate clean, renewable electricity.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — School may be out for summer, but Staples has already released its top product picks for the 2013 back-to-school shopping season. 

“School supplies need to reflect students’ individual styles, and we are excited by this year’s amazing selection, all at great values,” said Alison Corcoran, SVP, stores and online marketing. “Staples makes it easy to find everything on your list for less this back-to-school season.” 

Bentonville, Ark. - Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s renewable energy address on Tuesday:

FORT WORTH — One doesn’t normally associate social media with Dickies, but the global workwear maker is teaming up with pitcher R. A. Dickey to launch a contest on Facebook and using the social media site to extend its reach.

The contest, called Built to Work, recognizes the dedication and contributions of blue-collar workers from all walks of life — that is, the target consumer which Dickies aims to outfit with its apparel. 

Clearwater, Fla. – Multichannel retailer/product marketer As Seen On TV is taking advantage of the burgeoning crowd-funding trend to let its customers help decide what new products will be available for sale. Partnering with crowd-funding software provider Launcht Inc., As Seen On TV will allow inventors to upload video, images, design specifications and marketing strategies relating to their product ideas onto its e-commerce site. Customers will then be able to comment on, review and make prepurchases of products.

LOS ANGELES — Specialty sporting goods retailer Sports Chalet is sticking to an innovative plan that helps retain existing customers while enhancing its brand awareness. The retailer is inviting certified Scuba divers to participate in its Treasure Hunt dive for the fourth consecutive year. 

Pleasanton, Calif. - Safeway was selected to receive the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the nation's highest honor given to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an office of the Department of Defense, announced the 15 award recipients on Tuesday.