Marketing Tactics

NEW YORK — The board of directors of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has selected Bernard Leifer, president and CEO of The SG Companies, for induction into the LIMA Licensing Industry Hall of Fame.  

The induction will take place at the annual LIMA Awards Ceremony on June 18, 2013 during the industry’s main event, Licensing Expo 2013, in Las Vegas.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp., a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced its Retail Services business has signed a long-term agreement to continue providing the co-brand credit card program for multichannel retailer Gander Mountain.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Lowe’s winner of the Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. The 2013 award recognizes Lowe’s long-standing leadership as a retailer of energy-efficient appliances and products. Lowe’s will receive the EPA’s most prestigious honor at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 26.

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus is inviting customers to create Pinterest collections featuring images from its Art of Fashion campaign for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card. 

The contest runs March 6 to March 27. One winner will be chosen by a panel of Neiman Marcus judges.

WASHINGTON — A show devoted to snack food is expected to draw suppliers from 22 countries when it kicks off in May, the show's sponsoring organization said.

The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which will take place May 21-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place, is expected to be the most successful in the event's 16-year history, with a nearly sold-out show floor, according to the National Confectioners Association.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Walmart announced that it has worked with SolarCity to install solar panels on 12 Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs throughout Ohio. The solar panel installations will add approximately 6,000,000 kWh of generation production – enough energy to power more than 820 homes – and are expected to supply approximately 5-20 percent of each store's overall electricity use.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters said Friday that its first Philippines store opened on March 1, at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, Manila.  
 
The retailer said that additional stores are planned in 2013 throughout the country, operated by franchise partner Suyen Corp.

CHICAGO — KitchenAid has announced plans to introduce the first line of non-licensed cookware, bakeware and kettles in its nearly 100-year history. KitchenAid had previously offered these products through a licensing arrangement.

"These newest KitchenAid products look, feel and perform like those that built our reputation as a brand," said Michael Huie, global business unit director for KitchenAid.