News

In anticipation of the theatrical release of “The LEGO Movie” Friday, Feb. 7, Toys “R” Us is unveiling a dedicated feature shop in stores nationwide Thursday, Jan. 30, as well as online at Toysrus.com/LEGO.

Customers will be able to find the latest movie-inspired products as well as recreate their favorite scenes from the first-ever full-length LEGO adventure film. Toys “R” Us will also host a special event, and offer gifts with purchase and a chance to win prizes, while supplies last.

Sean Mayo, former director of strategic partnerships for Simon Business Ventures, part of Simon Property Group’s (SPG) marketing and business development arm, has been promoted to regional director of marketing, east region of The Mills portfolio.  

Perhaps no single brand had a holiday season quite as rocky as Sears. When the retailer announced a string of bad news on Jan. 9, shares of Sears Holding Corp. (which includes both Sears and Kmart) went through the floor. Holiday sales at Sears stores were down 9.2% in the nine weeks prior to Jan. 6, a brutal figure when you consider that overall retail sales were up slightly over the holidays (which I’ll discuss more in my next column).

Atlanta - Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. has appointed Fallon as its national creative agency of record following a review period and search that began in October 2013 and ended in January 2014. As Arby's advertising agency, Fallon will lead the strategic creative development and implementation for the brand's television, radio, print and digital channels.

Fallon will officially begin work effective Jan. 21, 2014. In addition to the AFA board, Arby's was also aided by Joanne Davis Consulting, Inc. throughout the agency review process.

Kroger has named Jay Cummins as president of the Smith's Food and Drug Stores division and Joe Fey as president of Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division.

Cummins has been serving as president of Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division. He succeeds Mark Tuffin, who was named SVP retail divisions in December.

Iselin, N.J. -- McDonald's New York Tri-State Area Restaurants, a franchisor group, has launched a new social media campaign to connect fans across the globe with athletes who will be competing in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Customers can send personalized messages and good luck wishes to their favorite athletes or teams by using the hashtag #CheersToSochi or by visiting www.cheerstosochi.com.

Virtual Piggy, the provider of safe youth payments technology Oink, has teamed up with WorldPay US to increase its strategic 2014 merchant acquisition plans within the teen market.

The WorldPay payment processing platform is used for in-person credit and debit transactions, online and mobile payments. According to Oink, its relationship with WorldPay will bring the safe youth payments technology to the WorldPay merchant network and facilitate integrations into teen-focused retail websites and shops.