Marketing Tactics

NEW YORK — Macy’s has partnered with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson for an exclusive cookware collaboration with celebrity chef and Macy’s Culinary Council member, Marcus Samuelsson. The “Marcus Samuelsson American Table for Belgique” collection will launch in September 2012, exclusively at Macy’s and on Macys.com.

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday extended its innovation in mobile technology with the introduction of a developer portal that allows third-party software developers to integrate the Walgreens QuickPrints software development kit, enabling photo printing directly from iPhone and Android mobile devices.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg Company has once again been named one of the "40 Best Companies for Diversity" in 2012 by Black Enterprise magazine. The recognition reflects the company's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion and marks the sixth time Kellogg has been named to the list.

Framingham, Mass. -- When comparing social media investment to other emerging technology areas, retailers more than any other industry are making strong investments, according to a new study by International Data Corp.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Actress Jennifer Garner, on behalf of Save the Children is teaming up with Frigidaire, makers of the Affinity Front Load Washer, to invite families everywhere to share their "Adventures in Clean."

Consumers can go to Frigidaire's Facebook page to create and share movie posters chronicling their personal adventures in clean for a chance to win a new Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer as well as a trip to Hollywood for the "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," starring Garner, premiere.

The holiday hype has begun, and Target this week launched one of the first salvos, announcing an innovative partnership with 24 designers and the upscale department store chain Neiman Marcus.

Having past the calendar’s mid-point, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the most viewed stories of the year to date on Chainstoreage.com. (Based on the results, it’s clear that J.C. Penney is shaping up as THE story of 2012.) Here are the Top 10 stories of the first six months:

ABILENE, Kan. — Alco Stores has promoted Brent Streit to SVP marketing and e-commerce.

Streit, a native of Downs, Kansas and a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, has more than 20 years of experience in retailing. In 2001 he joined Alco, then known as Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc., as a buyer. Since then he has held increasingly responsible positions in supply chain management, marketing and business development.