Marketing Tactics

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods announced that it has created a new program to help combat concussions in youth sports.

NEW YORK — Macy's has announced the launch of exclusive bedding line Bar III. Now available in 100 Macy's stores and on macys.com, items in the line are priced from $40 to $250.

SAN FRANCISCO —  Levi's announced that it has appointed Beto Guajardo as its new global VP strategy. In this role, Guajardo will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the brand's growth strategy and global business development.

SEATTLE  — Recreational Equipment Inc. announced that it plans to give $4.2 million this year to nonprofits across the country that work to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs.

Buying online from Amazon.com is a fantastic experience. Between the broad assortment, product reviews, available shipping options, ease of checkout and simple returns process there is a lot to like. It’s why the company’s sales are on fire, profits are beating analysts’ estimates, and the stock has traded above $200 the past month.

New York City -- The Talbots said on Tuesday that its board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan -- or a poison pill -- to protect its stockholders after a private equity firm disclosed it had acquired a sizeable stake in the company.

On Monday, Sycamore Partners LP revealed it had acquired a 9.9% stake in Talbots and said it planned to attempt to talk with the retailer about strategy and operations.

Reports put Talbots’ market value at $288 million, and suggest a buyout would exceed $400 million.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has donated $15,000 in monetary support and product to assist with Minot, N.D. flooding relief efforts. The company said its donation will help four Minot schools, including Long Fellow, Perkett, Eric Ramstad and Lincoln. Each school will receive $3,000 to support classroom relocation efforts due to flood damage.                             .

NEW YORK — Discount stores will continue to dominate as the destination for the majority of consumers’ back-to-school dollars this year, with office supply stores also remaining strong, according to a survey by Accenture on parents’ back-to-school shopping plans. The majority of parents (59%) will spend between $100 and $500 on back-to-school shopping this year, with 21% of consumers saying they plan to spend more than $500 this year. That’s down from 28% in 2010, indicating a decline in spending on the big ticket items for school.

With the promise of mesmerizing merchandise, an exclusive assortment of My Little Pony products are receiving special toy department treatment at Target this week. The popular Hasbro property is based on a talking unicorn pony and her unique collection of friends, which has made “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” that airs on Hasbro-owned channel The Hub the number one television show for kids ages two through 11.

The big relaunch of Target’s digital platform isn’t due until later this fall, but that didn’t deter the company from offering plenty of ways to interact electronically with the brand for back-to-school.