News

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots has reappointed Russell Solt to its board of directors after determining that the move is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. 

Solt will also continue to serve as chairman of the compensation committee, which is composed entirely of independent non-executive directors. Consistent with the terms of the company's other directors, Solt's term will run until the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General is teaming up with Procter & Gamble to honor the nation’s schools and teachers as part of the company’s Every Day Heroes program.

Through its “Success Starts Here” national marketing campaign, including an advertorial in Better Homes & Gardens, the program recognized Boone County High School in Florence, Ky., and one of its teachers, Kimberly Shearer.

Braun has tapped triple Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel as the new global brand ambassador. Vettel will be the face of the brand’s “Hold on to your Dreams” global marketing campaign. 

The announcement was made at the Formula 1 Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. 

CINCINNATI — As part of its efforts to expand its global footprint, Procter & Gamble is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to fund the construction, repair and cleaning of homes in 12 countries around the world. 

This commitment represents Habitat’s highest level of global volunteer engagement in a single year, with nearly 3,000 employees volunteering on more than 30 projects occurring around the world in 2013.

BOSTON — Brian Kilcourse, managing partner for Retail Systems Research, took some time out at the Orgill Fall Market Friday to deliver a primer on mobile technology as a driving force in the contemporary retail environment.

The seminar, titled "The New Rules of Retail: How Today's Consumer is Changing the Game," positioned mobile technology as a harbinger of a giant "reset" in retail comparable to the Industrial Revolution and onset of the Information Age. 

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's has teamed up with Scholastic as well as actor and children's book author Taye Diggs to promote childhood literacy and the importance of having books in the home. 

In a public service announcement, Diggs explains how U.S. families can help give kids great starts with great stories by placing 200,000 books into home libraries, schools and local communities.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears continues focusing on its Shop Your Way loyalty program, following second quarter results for the period ended Aug. 3. Members can increase their reward points by linking up to three eligible Visa credit and debit cards to their accounts.

Members can use their linked cards at any number of Reward Partner merchants, such as Burger King, Popeyes, Louisiana Kitchen, Picture People, Public Storage and 1-800-Flowers.com.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — M&M’s is no stranger to the NASCAR circuit, but the official chocolate of NASCAR is giving fans the chance to race around the same track as the pros at the Atlanta Motor Speedway during an exclusive event dubbed the M&M'S 500.

On Monday, Sept. 2, M&M'S will invite fans to drive their own vehicle two full laps around the storied mile and a half track. Following their rides, fans can have their vehicles photographed at the track.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — QVC is eyeing an increase in growth opportunities following the recent promotions of two key executives. 

The company has promoted Alex Miller to the position of SVP of digital commerce and Dave Caputo to the position of SVP of TV production and operations.  . 

Miller, who will continue to report to Mary Campbell, SVP of multichannel platforms, will now be responsible for the customer experience across QVC's web, mobile, tablet and social platforms.  

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Crate and Barrel will carry three exclusive collections by Italian designer, architect, art director and interior designer Paola Navone. The first of three collections will be available online through crateandbarrel.com and in select stores Sept. 9, and in all locations by Sept. 13.

The first collection will consist of more than 140 items across multiple categories, including tabletop, textiles, decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, dining tables and seating.