Marketing Tactics

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said it will present more than $1.5 million to nonprofits in six U.S. communities, thanks to Facebook users' help with the retailer's commitment to fight hunger through 2015.

Walmart's Fighting Hunger Together campaign called on Facebook users to go to Walmart.com/fighthunger and "like" one of the 100 hungriest communities in the United States, as ranked by the Food Research and Action Center. More than 10 million votes were cast during the campaign, which ran from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.

Redmond, Wash. -- PlayNetwork said Thursday it has launched into the European market and acquired Absolute Audio Systems Ltd., a U.K.-based provider of commercial media products and A/V systems integration services across Europe.

YORK, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced the signing of a license and design agreement with Mambo Graphics PTY LTD for the exclusive launch of the Mambo brand in the United States. Under the agreement, Mambo will design the collection while Bon-Ton will manage the sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of the line.

Hingham, Mass. -- The Talbots unveiled its new store design at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J.

The 5,500-sq.-ft. store has an upscale, residential feel, with a layout of five individual rooms for different merchandise stories.

Talbots chief creative officer Michael Smaldone collaborated with Robin Kramer of Kramer Design Group on the space.

Everyone has an opinion on Walmart, especially given the subpar performance of the U.S. stores division. The search for answers makes for some interesting conversations such as the one that took place earlier this week on the financial news network CNBC. Click here to watch. 

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. reported Thursday that its fourth quarter net earnings rose 14% and the board authorized the first dividend in the company's history. But the chain said consumers will remain cautious in 2011 and gave a full-year earnings forecast below Wall Street’s expectations.

Kohl’s said that income the quarter ended Jan. 29 increased to $493 million from $431 million a year earlier, slightly ahead of predictions. Revenue rose 6% to $6.04 billion from $5.68 billion, in line with projections.

NEW YORK -- Macy's has launched a new service to bring exclusive video content to users' mobile phones. Using QR code and SMS technology, Macy's Backstage Pass will provide consumers with essential tips, information on the latest trends, advice and inspiration straight from their favorite style icons, the company reported.

Buffalo, N.Y. -- Headwear and apparel retailer New Era said Thursday it will expand its international presence with the opening of New Era Tokyo on Feb. 26.

The 1,100-sq.-ft. store, the retailer’s eighth global store, is located in Harajuku.

"We're focused on growing our retail presence internationally so having a flagship store in Japan's main city is really exciting," said Matthew Reeves, New Era Japan's managing director.