Sales & Marketing

Wilmington, Del. -- Chase Card Services, a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Kohl’s Department Stores announced an exclusive marketing partnership in which Chase card members enrolled in Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program will gain access to a wide range of increased rewards benefits for shopping at Kohl’s.

SEATTLE — Amazon announced that it is now offering a new Kindle for $114, compared with $139 for its standard model and $189 for the 3G version. The catch is that the $114 Kindle requires the user to view special offers and sponsored products on screensavers and on the bottom of the home screen.

Atlanta -- A report released Tuesday by First Data Corp. found that, despite tough comps and a late Easter, March 2011 same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations showed a steady uptick.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Finish Line announced that Donald Gualdoni has been appointed VP business development and corporate strategy, effective April 14.

Indianapolis -- Finish Line said Monday that the president of its e-commerce division will retire.

Don Courtney will depart following a transition period, remaining in his current role during the retailer’s search for his successor.

HOUSTON -- Kroger announced that, beginning  April 13, Kroger customers in the Greater Houston area will be able to save up to $1 per gallon at 68 Kroger Fuel Centers through the grocer's new fuel accumulation program. Kroger's latest gas savings initiative will allow shoppers to redeem up to 1,000 fuel points, which are earned through everyday grocery, prescription and gift card purchases using the Kroger Plus card, during a single fill-up.

New York City -- A report released Tuesday by The Conference Board found that the top concern facing CEOs across the globe is business growth.

The Conference Board CEO Challenge 2011 polled more than 700 CEOs, presidents and chairmen from across geographies and industries regarding the most pressing issues they face in today’s business environment.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores announced that the company will be recognized as a 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Energy Star Awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The Partner of the Year Award is presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy.