Loyalty Marketing

Henderson, N.C. -- Verge Connect said Wednesday it is powering Fas Mart/Shore Stop’s first smartphone application, which debuted in April across more than 200 locations primarily in Virginia, Connecticut, Maryland and Delaware.

The new application, called Fas APP, integrates with the retailer’s new secure payment card.

Fas Mart/Shore Stop, which are owned by GPM Investments, selected the Verge Connect platform to help build the company’s digital and mobile presence.

FREMONT, Calif. — Men’s Wearhouse has taken its in-store experience online, with the launch of a new monile website that enables users to browse offerings, find stores and even design a tuxedo with the Build-A-Tux feature, which allows users to choose from 96 different vest and bowtie colors and customize their tux with the aid of pre-styled looks that are easily saved for later or shared with friends and family.

By Robert Passikoff, president, Brand Keys

In 2000, the average tenure of a CEO was 10 years. In 2008, it was down to eight and half, signaling a slightly higher degree of corporate and brand accountability by boards and shareholders. Ron Johnson, the now former-CEO of J.C. Penney, only lasted 17 months.

DALLAS — Alliance Data Systems Corp. announced its retail services business has signed a long-term agreement to provide private label credit card services for Barneys New York.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp. announced its retail services business has signed a long-term agreement to provide private label credit card services for Barneys New York.

A March 2013 study by Kantar Retail indicates that Walmart Canada and Target Canada are very competitively positioned from a basket price perspective.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Company announced that it has appointed Matthew Ryan as global chief strategy officer. Ryan was previously SVP of global brand, franchise and customer relationship management for The Walt Disney Company.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Bi-Lo annouced that, through April 30, it will host its fourth annual Paws “Feed the Love” campaign. “Feed the Love” is a pet food drive in which food donations go to local-area food banks for families in need to be able to provide food for the four-legged members of their families.