Marketing Tactics

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it will partner with Rovio Entertainment, maker of Angry Birds, on the launch of Angry Birds Space, the newest version of the world's most-downloaded mobile game, which will be released in app stores on March 22. The partnership will integrate retail, social media and gaming components, and launch in more than 3,000 Walmart U.S. stores on March 25.

New York -- Rovio, the maker of Angry Birds, is partnering up with a major U.S. retail chain to open dedicated Angry Birds in-store shops in thousands of locations nationwide, Reuters reported. The shops, which will feature branded toys, tee shirts and books, are being timed to debut with the launch of Angry Birds Space, the Finnish company’s latest downloadable game. The report said the partnership will be more extensive than Rovio’s existing agreement with Barnes & Noble.

WABAN, Mass. — Sam's Club has the most loyal customers, according to a new study by Temkin Group. The report, "2012 Temkin Loyalty Ratings," rated the loyalty that consumers have to 206 large companies across 18 industries.

Only seven companies earned "very strong" loyalty ratings. In addition to the retailers listed above, credit unions and USAA earned the distinction. Sam’s Club had the most loyal customers across all industries, with a loyalty rating of 65%.

Atlanta -- Walgreens and online health Q&A platform Sharecare announced Tuesday the launch of a new “Answers” application providing access to the largest searchable drug, supplement and wellness database currently available on Facebook, according to the companies.

The application, which is integrated into Walgreens Facebook page, gives Walgreens followers access to an interactive portal containing health information and resources.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — QVC is building a presence in China through a new joint venture with Beijing-based China National Radio (CNR), China's government-owned radio division. Through this partnership, CNR and QVC will jointly operate a multimedia retailing business in China through the CNR Mall TV shopping channel and its e-commerce website (www.CNRMall.com), leveraging the strengths and resources of each company.

New York -- StoreBoard Media announced Tuesday that its licensee, StoreBoard Media Canada, has added Staples Canada and Zellers to its in-store billboard network, which offers marketers an opportunity to advertise their brands on security pedestals located at entranceways and in other high-traffic areas of stores.

The pair of agreements will add nearly 4,000 security pedestals to the StoreBoard Canada network.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has joined forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion on an initiative to develop and promote dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Olympic gold medalists Dara Torres (swimming), Mia Hamm (soccer) and Lindsey Vonn (skiing) will star in Kohl's latest marketing campaign. Debuting on March 19, the new campaign titled “Shop to Win,” follows each of the three female athletes as they experience Kohl’s extensive fashion assortment, world-class brands and incredible value, the company said in a press release. It is the first time Kohl’s has used Olympic athletes in its marketing efforts.