Sales & Marketing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Marketing communications firm Duffy & Shanley has been hired by Staples to manage its 2010 public relations efforts for the holiday shopping season. 

For the last two years, Duffy & Shanley said it has worked with Staples on its holiday marketing and public relations efforts in some capacity.

New York - Fast Retailing, Asia’s biggest clothing chain and the parent of Uniqlo, is lookjing to open at least 200 Uniqlo stores in the United States  by 2020 as it seeks to raise sales sixfold in a decade, according to a Bloomberg report. 

"The United States is one of the most important markets for us,” Shin Odake, CEO of Uniqlo’s U.S. unit, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. 

WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation announced that it has urged the Senate to support legislation extending Bush era tax cuts that is scheduled for a procedural vote today, saying the measure would help preserve and create jobs.

WAYNE, N.J. - Toys“R”Us reported that net sales for the third quarter were $2.7 billion, an increase of 1.9% compared with prior year, due to new locations including Toys“R”Us Express stores as well as comparable-store net sales growth of 2.3% in the domestic segment and a foreign currency translation benefit of $17 million. These increases were partially offset by a decline of 2.9% in comparable-store net sales in the international segment.

CINCINNATI - Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M - News) today announced it will build a major new fulfillment center near Martinsburg in Berkeley County, W.Va., to support the continued growth of its online business. The site is located strategically along I-81, about 80 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

New York - Crate and Barrel has joined shopkick, allowing it to deliver location-based shopping rewards simply for visiting stores. By early 2011, rewards will be delivered at all U.S. Crate and Barrel stores.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Grand Rapids-based Spartan Stores has announced the introduction of its new Michigan-made Indulgent Creations premium ice cream. Four Indulgent Creations will be available year round through Spartan Stores D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Felpausch, Glen's Market, and VG's Stores, as well as through nearly 400 independent stores in Michigan and Northern Indiana selling Spartan Stores brand products.  The four core flavors include: Double Vanilla, Toasted Butter Pecan, Mint Chip, and Double Dark Chocolate.  

By Mike Humphreys, [email protected]