Marketing Tactics

City of Commerce, Calif. -- 99 Cents Only Stores said Monday it will convert 40 semi-trucks from diesel to clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG).

This new fleet, according to the discounter, is the largest private Class-8 CNG trucking fleet in Southern California.

The move comes as part of 99 Cents Only’s plan to become a greener organization and ties in with the chain’s 30th anniversary since its debut in 1982.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — 99 Cents Only Stores is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1982, the chain has expanded to 302 extreme value stores in four states consisting of 220 stores in California, 37 in Texas, 29 in Arizona, and 15 in Nevada. As part of the celebration, the company is converting 40 semi-trucks from diesel to clean-burning compressed natural gas. Additionally, the company is offering a free reusable shopping bag to customers who visit the store this weekend and purchase at least $9.99 worth of merchandise.

Houston -- Stage Stores and Alliance Data Systems Corp. announced Monday they have forged private-label credit card renewal agreement.

PLANO, Texas — PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America has launched of a gluten-free recipe section on its corporate website (www.fritolay.com) to help make snacking easier and more enjoyable for consumers with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivities. The new recipe section on the company's website now features gluten free recipes that can be paired or made with Frito-Lay's gluten free snacks, such as Lay's Classic potato chips, Fritos Original corn chips and Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips.

Burlington, Ontario, Canada -- IKEA Canada announced Monday that its new catalog, debuting Aug. 13, has incorporated a host of interactive elements designed for smartphones and tablets.

When holding a smartphone or tablet over a page, users are able to access films about IKEA products, experience 3D models, look behind closed doors with an X-ray function or change curtains and get creative.

Users will access the bonus material by downloading the IKEA app to smartphones or tablets, or by visiting www.IKEA.ca.

HOUSTON — Stage Stores has signed an agreement with Alliance Data Retail Services, making it the provider of a full suite of private label credit card services geared toward driving sales and brand loyalty to grow Stage Stores’ customer base. In addition, Alliance Data and Stage Stores will collaborate to develop and launch a new, simplified loyalty program, with enhanced benefits and incentives exclusive to cardholders.

New York City -- StoreBoard said Monday that Kinney Drugs has joined its in-store billboard network.

Under terms of the agreement, StoreBoard Media will place its billboards on the security pedestals at the entranceways to Kinney Drugs’ 94 stores in central and northern New York and Vermont.

Network television is rife with talent shows, and now Whole Foods has jumped on the bandwagon with a unique brand engagement initiative.