Sales & Marketing

Economists may be feeling good after a government report that showed third-quarter GDP grew at 2.5%, but try telling millions of Americans who shop at Walmart stores at 12:01 a.m. on the first of the month that the nation is no longer in a recession.

San Francisco -- Willams-Sonoma’s PBteen brand will open its first-ever pop-up store in Natick Mall, Natick, Mass., Nov. 4.

Houston -- Cardtronics announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Cardtronics Canada acquired Mr. Cash ATM Network, Lethbridge, Alberta.

The acquisition expands Cardtronics’ international presence into Canada. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Addison, Texas -- Coyote Management announced the formation of a new marketing solutions company called Coyote Creative.

With the addition of the new company, the mall owner and manager has expanded its services to include marketing solutions to individual companies, regional malls, lifestyle projects and open-air shopping centers.

The new company will be headed by Kymberley Scalia, corporate director of marketing, and Lindsey Willis, marketing coordinator.
 

Montvale, N.J. -- The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. said Friday that it has secured a $490 million financing package from Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos., Mount Kellett Capital Management and investment funds managed by Goldman Sachs.

The combination debt and equity financing, which is subject to court approval, will allow the grocer to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early in 2012.

DALLAS — The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced that it is offering several Black Friday deals for military members and their families.

Among the deals being offered are Sony 55" LCD TVs for just $899, HP Pavilion G6 Notebooks for $279, 50% off regularly priced ladies apparel from Izod, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and others as well as an Xbox 360 4GB gaming systems with built-in Wi-Fi console for just $99. Additionally, all Coach handbags (both in-store and online at shopmyexchange.com) will be 25%off from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Walmart EVP merchandising Duncan Mac Naughton spoke at two events this week in Northwest Arkansas, and he said essentially the same thing on both occasions. Two weeks earlier during a supplier summit event at the retailer’s home office, he said basically the same thing, according to those in attendance. And the comments at the supplier summit were essentially the same as those shared with members of the financial community during a mid-October analysts’ meeting or back in August.

Nashville, Tenn. -- Kirkland's Inc. raised its third-quarter earnings outlook Thursday after total revenue rose because of store expansion.

Total revenue rose 4.7% to $97.1 million in the August-to-October period. Same-store sales fell 3.6%.

The home-decor store said it now expects earnings of 3 cents to 5 cents per share, up from its previous prediction of a quarterly loss.