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| March 29, 2012 |
Trayvon Martin's death spawns merchandise line, trademarks
The death of Miami teenager Trayvon Martin has spawned a new line of products, including hoodies, T-shirts, bumper stickers, posters and buttons bearing Martin's face and related slogans. Martin's parents have applied for trademarks for two of the slogans, citing their intention to prevent exploitation of the teen's name and image. Boston Herald/The Associated Press (3/28) CNN (3/28)
Wal-Mart sets $1 billion goal in reducing grocery prices
Wal-Mart Stores, which sold $145 billion in groceries last year domestically, said it will lower grocery prices by $1 billion this year to entice customers who might then spend money elsewhere in the store. The company said it will either cut prices or keep them the same without passing on inflation costs. Fox Business/Dow Jones Newswires (3/28)
Belk's merchandising, branding investments pay off
Belk's five-year plan to invest $600 million to reinvigorate the business is already resulting in higher sales, largely due to using science-based methods to select the merchandise mix for the regional chain's 303 stores and branding efforts under the new "Modern. Southern. Style." tagline, said CEO Tim Belk. The initiative also includes increased IT and ad spending, as well as store expansions and remodels in the coming years. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (3/28)
Retailers: High gas prices aren't stopping shoppers
Retailers and mall operators say rising gas prices aren't keeping consumers out of the stores, despite recent survey results to the contrary. Bargain-hunting consumers still are driving to outlet malls in search of a deal, says Steven Tanger, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers. Saks is seeing similar trends among wealthy shoppers, said CEO Steve Sadove. CNBC (3/28)
Japan's retail sales beat expectations in February
Japan's retail sales rose 3.5% in February from the same month in 2011, beating economists' forecast of 1.4% growth and signaling a return of consumer confidence. "Consumer spending will likely hold steady, supported by reconstruction demand and the government?s subsidy program," said economist Azusa Kato. Bloomberg (3/28)
Ugg launches upscale footwear line for men
Ugg announced plans to launch its new men's footwear line this fall. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will return as the face of the men's line in the fall, but a separate campaign without Brady is being planned to bring in the new upscale, Italian-made line. Ugg is also opening a new men's-only store in New York in June. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (3/28)
Gilt.com set to sell new Atwood handbag line for full price
Gilt.com will be the exclusive seller of designer Brian Atwood's new handbag line. The flash-sales site, which normally sells discounted designer merchandise, will offer the bags at full price, ranging from $1,050 to $1,850. The Wall Street Journal/Heard on the Runway blog (3/28)
Other News
Nike lawsuit alleges Reebok can't use Tebow's name
Nike has filed a lawsuit against Reebok over the rights to to put Tim Tebow's name on Jets football jerseys. Nike recently won a five-year contract for jersey rights with the NFL, a contract that begins Sunday. The lawsuit charges that Reebok is taking advantage of a "unique and short-lived consumer opportunity" in the wake of Tebow's trade to the Jets. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model)/Adages blog (3/28)
Other News
New Scooby-Doo apps let kids come along for the mystery
Four new interactive "Scooby-Doo! You Play Too Books" have been released for the iPad. Warner Bros. Consumer Products and ScrollMotion will release three Storybook mobile applications and a sticker activity book app that lets readers customize scenes with stickers. KidScreen (3/28)
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Registration now open for broad Licensing University™ program
Registration is now open for LIMA's Licensing University™ -- a comprehensive educational offering of more than 35 seminars, presentations and events staged in conjunction with Licensing International Expo this June in Las Vegas. The program is offered over a five-day period, including all three days of Licensing International Expo. Presented by a wide array of industry-leading experts, the Licensing University sessions are specifically designed to deliver to players from all areas of the business -- from newcomers to seasoned veterans -- valuable, actionable insight on a broad range of important, bottom line-boosting opportunities. It kicks off on Sunday, June 10, with the third annual State of Retail Presentation and Store Safari, an exciting half-day program that includes a luncheon presentation and retail field trip with retail expert Carol Spieckerman, president of newmarketbuilders.
Join us at the LIMA West Coast Spring networking reception
Join us on Thursday, April 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for our annual West Coast Spring Fling reception at 20th Century Fox Studios! Enjoy a night of networking on the historic Fox Lot in the Executive Dining Room. Built on the original site of a French restaurant set, the dining room features a 1935 mural of Janet Gaynor, Warner Baxter and Will Rogers. A delicious selection of food and beverages will be served. Sponsored by Dependable Solutions, Inc., EisnerAmper LLP and M Style Marketing. Cost is $75 for LIMA members ($100 at the door), and $100 for non-members ($125 at the door).
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