Marketing Tactics

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Kahala Brands, the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, has signed a 10-year master franchise agreement with Om Nom Nom Mauritius Ltd. (ONN Ltd.) in Kenya. There are seven stores slated to open during a five-year period and the first location will be in the capital city of Nairobi, scheduled to open in late September.

ONN Ltd. will offer luxury products as well as ice cream to Kenyan consumers.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) has formed the Small Business Retail Council to organize, recruit and engage Main Street merchants and independent community retailers in grassroots advocacy activities. The Council will represent and be responsive to the needs, concerns and interests of local shops, and provide the association’s small business members a forum to discuss the most pressing public policy issues and priorities.

Seattle – Amazon.com has opened a 3D printed products store, an online marketplace that gives customers access to more than 200 unique print on-demand products, many that can be customized by material, size, styles and color variations, and personalized with text and image imprints. The new store features search tools, interactive 3D preview functionality and a product personalization widget.

Pittsburgh – Net income at GNC Holdings Inc. slipped during the second quarter of fiscal 2014, falling 2% to $69.89 billion from $71.69 billion in the prior year period. For second quarter 2014, the company reported consolidated revenue of $675.2 million, a decrease of 0.2% as compared to consolidated revenue of $676.3 million for second quarter 2013.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts is partnering with Discovery Channel to create an omnichannel marketing promotion for Discovery Channel’s upcoming “Shark Week” programming event the week of Aug. 10. To kick-off the partnership, beginning July 29 customers can "Take a Bite, Take a Pic."

Westborough, Mass. – BJ’s Wholesale Club has signed a new long-term agreement for Alliance Data Systems Corp. to provide co-brand credit card services. The BJ's credit program will convert to MasterCard.

Grand Rapids, Mich. - Flatgoods recently launched a new website that allows customers to order any of their furniture pieces and customize them for their needs. Twenty-seven items are available for purchase, including items for home, storage and tradeshow use.

The website also features assembly instructions and a blog, detailing the latest events, clients, and news related to Flatgoods. New items will be added to the site periodically.

Knoxville, Tenn. -- Regal Cinemas is partnering with Coca Cola to launch a promotion called "Tweet-a-Coke.” The promotion gives customers the chance to share a Coke via Twitter.

Moviegoers can buy and Tweet a friend a Coca-Cola at participating Regal Cinemas across the country. They can connect a credit card to their Twitter account, then tweet a friend using @TweetACoke, the word "enjoy" and their friend's Twitter handle.

New York -- Elad Group, developer of condominium complex 22 Central Park South, has partnered with Bergdorf Goodman to produce a model residence decorated with accessories and art from the store's Decorative Home floor. The partnership also offers buyers the opportunity to be a part of an exclusive personal shopping and consulting program.

Dublin, Ohio - The Wendy’s Company has extended its partnership and will continue licensing APT’s Test & Learn software for another three years. Wendy’s will use the software to test strategic initiatives in menu changes, remodels, marketing, pricing, and operations across its system of more than 6,500 company and franchise-operated restaurants.