News

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — School may be out for summer, but Staples has already released its top product picks for the 2013 back-to-school shopping season. 

“School supplies need to reflect students’ individual styles, and we are excited by this year’s amazing selection, all at great values,” said Alison Corcoran, SVP, stores and online marketing. “Staples makes it easy to find everything on your list for less this back-to-school season.” 

NEW YORK — Beauty brand Coty has promoted Stephen Mormoris to the position of SVP, global marketing American fragrances, Coty Prestige. Additionally, Johanna Businelli has been promoted to the newly created position of SVP, color cosmetics, Coty Beauty.

PARIS — Louis Vuitton has tapped billionaire heiress Delphine Arnault as the company’s EVP. As the second in command, the daughter of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault will oversee all product-related activities of the Louis Vuitton House.

LOS ANGELES — Specialty sporting goods retailer Sports Chalet is sticking to an innovative plan that helps retain existing customers while enhancing its brand awareness. The retailer is inviting certified Scuba divers to participate in its Treasure Hunt dive for the fourth consecutive year. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens cited a challenging economy and low front-end comparable store sales for its weaker than expected third quarter results. 

The company has therefore initiated a three-point plan to boost front-end performance as the company shifts its Balance Rewards customer-acquisition focus into second gear with a greater emphasis on redemption and rewards. 

CONCORD, Mass. — Welch’s brought in food historian and Food Network star Alton Brown to celebrate Ephraim Wales Bull, the man who grew the first Concord grape in the mid-19th century.

In a ceremony at the company’s new headquarters in Concord, Mass., Welch’s and Brown honored Bull with the dedication of a freshly planted vineyard, grown from his original Concord grapevine, cultivated more than 160 years ago.

ATLANTA — The HoneyBaked Ham Company is gearing up for aggressive growth in the Northeastern U.S., and plans to sign more franchise deals in areas where demand for the brand is growing.

FORT WORTH — One doesn’t normally associate social media with Dickies, but the global workwear maker is teaming up with pitcher R. A. Dickey to launch a contest on Facebook and using the social media site to extend its reach.

The contest, called Built to Work, recognizes the dedication and contributions of blue-collar workers from all walks of life — that is, the target consumer which Dickies aims to outfit with its apparel. 

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko and Stanley Black and Decker have teamed up to donate nearly 100 power tools to Greater Green Bay Area Habitat for Humanity.  

Office Depot has launched a new rewards program with several loyalty enhancements even as it moves closer to consummating its merger with OfficeMax.

The company’s new program, called simply Office Depot Rewards, is designed to reward shoppers for spending money, sharing information about themselves and recycling. It is a novel approach that is intended to offer a more customized approach to shoppers’ unique behaviors and preferences.