Marketing Tactics

Atlanta -- Commerce, Mich.-based LaVida Massage announced the opening of its second location in the Atlanta area.

The new 2,800-sq.-ft. center, located in Canton, Ga., is slated to open in May. The center will be owned and managed by Mike Spidel.
 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.  -- Sears is looking to position itself as a beauty leader, by announcing Monday the installment of new cosmetics departments at more than 100 locations and Sears.com.

According to the company, these refreshed beauty departments will feature products from such brands as L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, CoverGirl, Sally Hansen, Essie and Nicole by OPI. Additionally, beauty advisers staffing the departments will offer makeup tips and advice to customers who desire assistance in perfecting their look, Sears reported.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens helped launch the nation’s first privately funded and comprehensive electric vehicle charging network with an initial station at its drug store at Belt Line Road and Montfort Drive in Dallas. The retailer is working with NRG Energy to install high-powered rapid charging eVgosm Freedom Stations at 18 locations across the Dallas/Fort Worth area,

CINCINNATI -- Kroger announced that it has set a 2015 goal of sourcing 100% of its top 20 wild-caught seafood species from sources certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, in full assessment, or involved in a Fishery Improvement Project with World Wildlife Fund.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio  -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that Jim Lyski has been named EVP and chief marketing officer, reporting to ScottsMiracle-Gro president Barry Sanders.

Walmart has long shunned outright sponsorship of a NASCAR team, while such other retailers as Target, Office Depot, Bass Pro Shops, Home Depot and Lowe’s have embraced the sport with much success. With most NASCAR fans already shopping its stores, Walmart has adopted for a more surgical approach, which is evident again this year as the company executes promotional events at stores in markets where races are being held.

New York City -- A judge ruled Thursday that a San Diego pro-gay marriage group can continue canvassing outside of Target stores in California, the Associated Press reported. However, protestors must stay 30 ft. away from store entrances and canvass at just one entrance at a time.

The retailer had sought an injunction barring the activists from every outlet in the state, alleging they harass customers by cornering them near store entrances to discuss gay marriage, solicit donations and collect signatures on petitions.

 WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  -- Hy-Vee announced that it has enlisted the help of celebrity chef Curtis Stone to develop a series of recipes designed to bring families together for meals.

Under the exclusive agreement with Hy-Vee, Stone, who stars as an investor/mentor on NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant." will be featured in the company's TV commercials, print ads and in-store promotional materials over the next two years, said Randy Edeker, president and COO of Hy-Vee.