Seasonal

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Walmart Canada has invited more than 550 kids and 350 parents to participate in the first-ever Great Big Toy Testing Event. Taking place on July 21, the event gives kids and parents the opportunity to interact with more than 100 toys and will help the retailer determine the top toy list for the 2012 holiday season.

NEW YORK — eBay's latest move to brand itself as more than just an online auction site, involves the launch of an exclusive designer collection for the holiday season. The company has partnered with designers Billy Reid, Chris Benz, Fallon, Jonathan Adler, Ruffian, Steven Alan and Tibi for an original, limited-edition gift collection of men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, travel and electronics accessories and home décor.

New York -- The slowdown in consumer spending is set to continue for the rest of the year, said Moody’s Investors Service in a new sector report entitled "U.S. Retail: Retail Sales Growth Slows Amid a Cautious Consumer.”

Two U.S. toy companies have a shot at exclusive distribution with Meijer this holiday season thanks to a innovative contest announced Monday.

The retailer unveiled details of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest designed to give two small U.S. toymakers the chance to have their toy receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Global e-commerce software provider ChannelAdvisor is hosting a webinar to help retailers prepare their e-commerce operations for the upcoming holiday season.

Hosted by ChannelAdvisor CEO Scot Wingo, the webinar, titled "The Top Ten Essential Holida To-Dos for Online Retailers," will offer retailers 10 must-dos in order to capitalize on increased online shopping during the holiday months.

The nation’s leading retailers and consumer brands have joined forces to benefit America’s veterans thanks to an innovative program developed by Acosta Sales and Marketing.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is once again bringing Black Friday to the summer, this year expanding the sale to two full days, July 20 to 21. Target will also hold its first-ever Summer Cyber Week sale from July 22 to 28, featuring daily deals on Target.com for must-have products such as electronics, apparel, baby gear and more.

Retailers can’t seem to get enough of partnerships these days…be it with hot designers, each other or television shows. Below is a quick recap of three new couplings that have the industry buzzing.

1. Nordstrom and Topshop: Looking to add more fashion sizzle to its offerings, Nordstrom has entered into a joint venture with Topshop, the British fast-fashion giant known for its runway-inspired threads and rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

WAYNE, N.J. — FAO Schwarz, in honor of its 150th anniversary, has unveiled a walk-around gallery dedicated to Steiff, one of the most renowned European brands, whose signature products have been offered at FAO Schwarz for more than 100 years. "A Gallery of Classic Steiff Collectibles," is displayed prominently throughout the famed flagship location in New York City. The museum quality exhibit will run through early September and can be viewed online at FAO.com.

Walmart and Target were both winners this week as Target announced a deal with Neiman Marcus that makes the distinction between it and Walmart even sharper.