Sales & Marketing

TOWSON, Md. -- Black & Decker has introduced its new rechargeable mower, the 36V Variable-Speed Self-Propelled Cordless Rechargeable Mower, which allows users to adjust the mowing speed to their personal pace so they can achieve great cutting results with minimal effort, according to the company.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. reported Tuesday that global same-store sales increased 5.3% in January, comprised of a 3.1% rise in the United States, a 7% increase in Europe and a 5.2% increase in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Systemwide sales increased 7.4%, or 6.7% in constant currencies, for the month.
 

KRONBERG, Germany  -- Braun celebrated its 90-year company anniversary on Feb. 1. Founded by Max Braun in 1921, Braun today is a globally successful brand and the world market leader in the foil shaver, epilator and handblender segments, according to the company.

After a year of steadily declining delinquency rates in Target’s credit portfolio, January proved to be a month of stabilization as the percentage of those 60 and 90 days past due on their accounts held steady when compared with the prior month. Accounts 60 days past due represented 4.2% of credit card receivables in January and accounts 90 days past due represented 3.1%. Both figures were identical to levels recorded in December, but well below peak levels seen in February 2010 when the 60 and 90 day past due rates hit their fiscal year peaks of 6.1% and 4.5%, respectively.

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- David Gregory, host of NBC's "Meet the Press," will deliver the keynote address at BNP Media's Food Safety Summit on April 20.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) said that KareFoot Spa & Bodywork has opened at the company’s Plymouth Meeting Mall, located in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

The 2,827-sq.-ft. location is the retailer’s fifth in Greater Philadelphia.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Best Buy announced that through Feb. 12 it is offering customers its buy back program for free. To promote the offer, Best Buy has launched a multi-media campaign that began with its Super Bowl spot featuring Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Justin Bieber.

New York City -- Crate and Barrel, along with Finnish textile and design company Marimekko, said Friday they are extending their longtime collaboration to roll out more than 20 shop-in-shops in Crate and Barrel stores across the United States and Canada over the next three years.

The launch kicks off this spring with four new shop-in-shop locations: New York (Madison Avenue), Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In addition, a Marimekko e-commerce 'shop' will be added to the Crate and Barrel website later this season, according to both companies.