Marketing Tactics

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp., a provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, said Tuesday it has signed a new, long-term agreement to provide private label credit-card services to women’s apparel retailer J.Jill.

Providence, R.I. -- DijiPOP, a leading provider of on-demand digital shopper marketing technology solutions, announced that Walmart Canada has selected the company to power the digital shelf space monetization efforts of its rapidly growing Walmart.ca online property.

As a complement to Walmart Canada’s current advertiser program, DiJiPOP’s technology will integrate deeply with Walmart Canada’s existing proprietary vendor portal, allowing Walmart.ca vendors to reserve premium shelf space.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penny Co. said Tuesday it has introduced a new logo, designed to symbolize the retailer’s transformation to a more updated and relevant destination.

The new logo emphasizes a new, lowercase “jcp” by positioning it slightly off-centered in a red box while still featuring the company's signature red color. It was designed by Luke Langhus, a third-year graphic design student at the University of Cincinnati.

The Associated Press is reporting that Target has revised its policy governing political donations following a flap last year that tarnished the company’s progressive image. Target drew the wrath of gay rights activists after it was revealed the company donated $150,000 to a business group that supported Minnesota’s conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer who is an opponent of gay marriage and other gay rights initiatives.

Some spring fashion excitement is on tap for Target stores beginning March 13 when the company celebrates the fifth anniversary of its GO International designer program. Plans call for a collection of 34 dresses from 17 designers who participated in the GO International affordably priced fashion program over the past five years. The limited-edition assortment will be in most Target stores through April 10.

The retail world takes center stage this week as financial markets are poised to dissect a slew of earnings reports from major retailers who will be sharing details on the profitability of holiday sales, perspective on the state of the economic recovery and the outlook for consumer spending during the remainder of 2011.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.  -- Walmart announced a new relationship with NASCAR to give Walmart customers and race fans new NASCAR branded merchandise and special savings on race tickets available on Walmart.com/NASCAR for select races.  The new retail program, branded "Race Time", is the largest retail promotion in NASCAR's history, according to Walmart, and launches in 1,500 Walmart stores just in time for the start of the season with the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 (FOX, Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. ET).

PITTSBURGH -- American Eagle Outfittersannounced a campaign in partnership with FEED Projects to launch a new line available at American Eagle Outfitters stores and online that will benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. American Eagle Outfitters is now offering FEED Guatemala bags in more than 400 of its stores across the country. The bags are also available at www.ae.com.

St. Louis -- Brown Shoe Co. said Thursday that it has acquired privately held athletic shoe maker American Sporting Goods Corp. for $145 million.

The acquisition broadens the reach of Brown Shoe, which makes Dr. Scholl's, LifeStride, Franco Sarto and other brands and operates Naturalizer and Famous Footwear stores. ASG's brands include Avia, Ryka women's fitness footwear and AND1 basketball shoes for men and boys.

New York City -- Borders Group on Thursday won bankruptcy court approval to liquidate approximately 200 stores in a deal that may bring in $175 million to creditors. The sales will begin Feb. 19, allowing Borders to take advantage of the President’s Day holiday, typically a major shopping weekend.

Hilco Merchant Resources LLC, SB Capital Group, Tiger Capital Group LLC and Gordon Brothers Group won the bidding to handle the liquidation sales, according to Bloomberg.