Marketing Tactics

CHICAGO -- Wrigley's announced that is offering fans of its Extra sugar-free gum product the chance to create and purchase personalized packs featuring their photos and designs via the company's first-ever custom-packaging offer, MyExtra.  Consumers can visit www.MyExtraGum.com and upload photos and messages to celebrate and remember a variety of occasions such as weddings, baby showers, birthdays and vacations.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has made a $500,000 donation to Save the Children to assist with Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

“When disaster strikes, Target listens and acts quickly to provide meaningful support to people in need,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO, Target. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and we hope our donation will aid in the country’s recovery.”

As part of the multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion of Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, The Cordish Cos. announced that entertainment concepts PBR Baltimore and The Baltimore Comedy Factory hosted grand openings the first two weekends in March. 

These latest downtown destinations join the recently opened Tatu Asian Grill in the restaurant, entertainment and office district that is now going on its 12th year of operations.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target's deal with Lady Gaga may have fallen through, but that doesn't mean the retailer has lost its ability to court the music industry. Case in point, the company announced yesterday that it is partnering with GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson for the exclusive, deluxe edition of her second studio album, "I Remember Me." The deluxe edition, including four additional new songs and bonus video material, will be available only at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com beginning March 22.

Retail is a hard enough business without muddying the waters with all sorts of activities that have nothing to do with selling stuff shoppers want and need. To recap, Target gave some money to a homophobic politician who a lot of people thought was a jerk, which created an uprising in the gay and lesbian community and resulted in the company adopting a new policy to govern the political contribution process.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Shortly after announcing the launch of its weight-loss system for men, Sensa is introducing a fruity lineup of energy enhanced vitamin drinks.

Sensa Quench, available in orange crush, pink grapefruit and berry splash flavors, is a sugar-free drink mix that when added to 12-oz. of water, includes a powerful blend of natural ingredients to energize, help increase the metabolism and hydrate, according to the company.

The Sensa Quench weight-loss system is available in a 30-pack for $39.95.

Columbus, Ohio -- Denny Gerdeman, principal and co-founder of Chute Gerdeman, a full-service retail branding and design firm, has been named the 2011 Markopoulos Award winner.

The prestigious honor, named after the late visual merchandising legend Andrew Markopoulos, is presented annually by DDI Magazine to one outstanding industry professional. In winning the award, Gerdeman is recognized for his distinguished career as well as his efforts to give back to the profession.

Japan may be a wealthy country, but as the death toll there continues to rise, major U.S. corporations are stepping up with significant donations and Target is among them. The company last week announced it would contribute $500,000 to Save the Children, an organization that is aiding with Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.