Seasonal

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In honor of Adopt-a-Dog Month in October, Sam's Club announced that it is pledging $20,000 of Simply Right branded pet food, supplies and Sam's Club gift cards to four U.S. animal shelters in need of support following recent natural disasters. The pet food is part of Sam's Club's new proprietary brand Simply Right line of quality and affordable pet care products, available exclusively to Sam's Club members.

NEW YORK — eBay announced that it has joined with designer Jonathan Adler to open The eBay Inspiration Shop, a 24/7 shoppable storefront in New York City showcasing a collection of new, must-have merchandise for the fall season. What makes the store unique, according to eBay is that customers can shop for the featured items using their smartphone.

Sam’s Club home office last week hosted 50 competitive barbecue teams who traveled to Northwest Arkansas for the final round of competition in the inaugural Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour. The event kicked off back in April when teams battled for a spot in the championship, which was sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

The winner of the event, TippyCanoe BBQ Crew of St. Ansgar, Iowa, received a cash prize of $35,000, while a total of $400,000 in prize money was awarded to teams throughout the course of the tour.

Walmart’s deeper affiliation with NASCAR continued this week as the good old boys headed to Alabama’s Talladega super speedway for the Good Sam Club 500 where race fans were provided the opportunity to participate in Race Time at Walmart activities.

WASHINGTON — It looks like this year's holiday shoppers have a renewed focus on value and will comparison shop by utilizing smartphones, tablets and mobile applications to make purchasing decisions, according to the latest National Retail Federation Survey.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced that it has expanded its online toy shop to provide parents with a trusted and fun resource for toy advice. 

WASHINGTON — It looks like this year's holiday shoppers have a renewed focus on value and will comparison shop by utilizing smartphones, tablets and mobile applications to make purchasing decisions, according to the latest National Retail Federation Survey.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced that it has once again teamed up with four-time NBA Champion, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal to launch its eighth annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource announced that it is inviting nonprofit organizations to join the retailer in its big holiday giving program, Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids, where it will deliver more than $1.2 million of free shoes to children of families in need across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries this holiday season.  

AUSTIN — Whole Foods is focusing on immune support by offering educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "seasonal wellness shopping list" to customers this fall.

Whole Foods said that the promotion, which is being held during the months of October and November, is part of the Be Good to Your Whole Body campaign.