Marketing Tactics

New York -- The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index climbed to a better-than-expected 74.3, compared to 72.3 in July and representing a three-month high.

Aggressive retail discounting and record-low interest rates boosted the results, but unemployment remains a big concern. 

“Confidence is lackluster,” Jim O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist for High Frequency Economics Ltd., told Bloomberg. “It typifies the economy right now. It’s not strong, but not collapsing either.”

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell's has expanded its V8 100% vegetable juices with the addition of two new varieties.

V8 100% vegetable juice Hint of Lime adds just a touch of lime for a crisp and refreshing taste, while V8 100% vegetable juice Hint of Black Pepper includes a dash of black pepper for a delicately spicy flavor.

By Kathy Gersch, [email protected]

NEW YORK — The Jones Group has entered into an exclusive, world-wide license agreement with Altair, a division of  Marchon Eyewear for the creation, production, marketing and global distribution of ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses under the Anne Klein brand. The Anne Klein ophthalmic eyewear and sunglass collections are currently produced and marketed under a world-wide license agreement with Luxottica Group S.p.A., which will expire on Dec. 31.  

New York -- As part of its landmark, multi-year, $400 million dollar renovation of Macy’s Herald Square, the department store retailer debuts the Herald Square Café this week.

Located on the second floor with the shoe department, the 1,434-sq.-ft., 45,-seat café will serve Starbucks coffees, chocolates and high-end champagnes.

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

The groups said the multi-year investment would support expansion of a seafood certification program and continue development of partnerships with fishermen, industry and retailers.

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands Inc. reported Friday that net income for the second quarter was $9.7 million, compared with a loss of  $35 million last year when it booked nearly $84 million in one-time charges.

Sales for the owner of Payless ShoeSource and Stride Rite grew 6% to $886 million and same-store sales rose 2.9%.
 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe’s Companies and the collegiate multimedia, marketing and licensing/brand management firm IMG College announced a national marketing agreement that helps the home improvement retailer reach college sports fans where dialogue is a game changer: official social media platforms.