News

The small ad was a little lost on the bottom of page 36 of Target’s 40-page holiday circular this week, but there among an offering of floor care products was a reminder of a Facebook initiative that could be worth as much as $50,000 to the Kids In Need Foundation. The ad encouraged readers to visit Facebook.com/TargetGiveJoy to create a wish list of up to five items for a chance to win a gift card equal in value to those items with Kids In Need receiving a $5 donation for each wish list submitted up to a total of $50,000. The program ends at midnight on Christmas.

PLANO, Texas - JCPenney announced that it will opens its doors at 7 a.m. on Dec. 26 for its biggest After Christmas Sale ever. Customers visiting JCPenney the day after Christmas can find extended store hours, free shipping offers on jcp.com and over 100 “Doorbuster” specials from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., highlighted in JCPenney’s expanded 48-page sales circular, the company reported. 

Chicago -- Consumer confidence in the retail industry is up almost 20% since 2009, according to Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk management business of Aeon Corp.

Aon's 2010 U.S. Retail Industry Report, along with survey results from Aon's 2010 Retail Symposium, found that many retailers will focus on growth in 2011. This top priority is closely followed by the objectives to increase profitability, control costs, provide business continuity and stabilize operations.

NEW YORK — Flirt! Cosmetics, which is available exclusively at Kohl's, has teamed up with "Glee" star Heather Morris, who will be the new celebrity style ambassador in support of the brand's spring 2011 product collection.

Morris will act as ambassador for brands appearing on Flirt!'s website and social networks and will supportx in-store and promotional efforts, including a consumer contest looking for the next "flirtiest performer." The campaign will launch in early 2011.

CHICAGO - Staples and the Chicago Bears have announced that McHenry-based Frost Dental Lab and M&M Custom Flooring of New Lenox are the final “enshrinees” to be named to the Staples Small Business Hall of Fame. These Chicagoland small businesses join previous winners Markatay Inc. and Tasty Catering to make up the Staples Small Business Hall of Fame Class of 2010.

Minnepolis -- Best Buy Co. said Friday it is expanding its health-and-wellness offerings to 600 stores nationwide.

The products, which include heart-rate monitoring watches, pedometers, yoga mats, scales and blood pressure monitors, have been tested by Best Buy in 40 stores in multiple markets and will now undergo rollout.

In its most recent quarter, Best Buy’s net income fell 4%, and revenue dipped 1% to $217 million.

Walmart removed all doubt about how it intends to enter Russia this week when it announced the closure of its office in Moscow. The office was opened two years ago to investigate opportunities in the country, but international division president and CEO Doug McMillon said it no longer made business sense to maintain the facility.

New York City -- Mobile online shopping (excluding travel) in the United States is expected to more than double, to total more than $3.4 billion by year’s end, according to ABI Research. Travel-related purchases (airline tickets, hotels, etc.) will add another $1.5 billion.