Sales & Marketing

Boston – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill authorizing a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts for the upcoming weekend of Aug. 10. The bill gives consumers a one-time break on the state’s 6.25% sales tax on any ordinarily taxed retail items individually worth up to $2,500. The break does not extend to vehicles, motor boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.

Massachusetts did not offer a sales tax holiday in 2009 but otherwise has designated one weekend in August as a sales tax holiday every year since 2004.

Efforts to revitalize the J.C. Penney brand are now under the leadership of Debra Berman, a former Kraft and advertising executive who was named SVP of marketing at the struggling retailer.

Berman most recently served as vp of marketing strategy and engagement at Kraft where she was responsible for marketing strategy and engagement, directing global brand strategy and customer engagement for all Kraft-owned brands and leading Kraft's marketing communications Center of Excellence.

Framingham, Mass. – Discount retailers TJ Maxx and Saks Off Fifth outlets are reportedly planning to enter the online sales arena this year. According to Reuters, TJ Maxx parent company TJX Cos. will be making its second attempt at launching a TJ Maxx e-commerce site after a failed attempt in 2005 that cost the company $15 million.

William Disbrow and Jim Sampey, former executives with Valpak/Cox Target Media, have joined Sterling Payment Technologies to grow Sterling’s loyalty products and a mobile initiative branded as Perkz.

Disbrow and Sampey were both longtime former executives at Valpak/Cox Target Media who held C-level positions.

New York – Verizon Wireless has partnered with All-Rite Construction Company to launch the flagship store of its new Viva Movil premium retail banner aimed at Latino customers. Located in Brooklyn,N.Y., the 3,000-sq.-ft. store features sleek, ultra-modern interiors, lounge-like atmosphere and immersive media displays. The intent is to provide in-store customers with an integrated omni-channel experience.

Winston-Salem, N.C. — A new Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory will open in Roswell, Ga., in early September, marking the start of an expansion effort across the metro area. The new shop will replace the existing Roswell shop and introduce the company’s updated design to the area.

Construction plans are currently underway for approved sites in Doraville, Smyrna and Stockbridge. Krispy Kreme is also working to secure sites in Decatur and Duluth.

NEW YORK — Soupman Inc., the parent company of The Original SoupMan, is about to see "the soup that made 'Seinfeld' famous" hit shelves at nearly 500 Walmart stores. 

The brand's soups, which are already sold in more than 4,000 supermarkets nationwide, include the classic soups that made the company famous: lobster bisque, chicken noodle, lentil and tomato bisque. 

Broomfield, Colo. -- TCBY Yogurt and Mrs. Fields Cookies parent Famous Brands International said it has appointed Michael Chao as CFO, effective immediately.  

Chao was previously VP finance, treasury and investor relations for Vail Resorts.

Famous Brands also announced the reappointment of David Barr to its board of directors. Barr, who is currently chairman of the board for Rita Restaurants and Australian jewelry company The Jewellery Group, was CFO and CEO of the Great American Cookie Co., which was sold to Mrs. Fields in 1998.