CHICAGO, June 13 /PRNewswire/ — The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo , today announced Sarah Robb O’Hagan as its new chief marketing officer. O’Hagan, 36, joins PepsiCo after nearly six years at Nike where she has held marketing and general management roles within the U.S. O’Hagan has also led marketing platforms for other high-profile brands such as the Virgin Entertainment Group, Atari (ATAR) and Air New Zealand (ANZFF).
In her new role, O’Hagan will lead the marketing efforts for Gatorade in the U.S., which includes the core business and new/emerging audiences. In addition, as part of the new PepsiCo Americas Beverage sector, O’Hagan will have influence over the strategic direction of the Gatorade marketing agenda across Latin America, the largest Gatorade market outside the U.S.
“Sarah’s career is highlighted by creativity, innovation, and brand-building activities, making her the right person to lead Gatorade’s marketing efforts,” said Todd Magazine, president of Gatorade, U.S. “Sarah has an amazing track record of elevating high image, sports and entertainment businesses and delivering great results. We’re also excited to have someone leading our marketing organization who understands, and will nurture, the fact that athletes are the core consumers of our brands.”
O’Hagan most recently served as the General Manager of the Western Region for Nike, the second largest of four geographic business units in the U.S., where she led a significant improvement in business performance. She also oversaw the development of Nike Action sports in the Western Region, helping it to become one of the hottest consumer brands among Southern California youth. Prior to that, O’Hagan held the post of Nike Marketing Director, USA, where she provided category business leadership and brand direction for Running, Women’s Fitness/Teen Girl Sport, Tennis and Sport Culture.
Prior to her tenure with Nike, O’Hagan was Vice President of U.S. Marketing at Atari Entertainment where she oversaw the successful relaunch of the brand. She also led the marketing function at both the Virgin Entertainment Group and Virgin Atlantic Airways North America. She began her career with Air New Zealand in marketing.
O’Hagan has a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a Diploma in Direct Marketing from the New Zealand Direct Marketing Association.
About Gatorade — The Gatorade brand is a division of PepsiCo . The Gatorade hydration portfolio includes the nation’s leading sports drink Gatorade(R) Thirst Quencher, as well as Gatorade Tiger(TM), G2(TM), and Propel Fit Water(TM). Gatorade is backed by more than 40 years of research and is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes, and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. Gatorade Tiger provides the same carbohydrate energy to fuel muscles as Gatorade Thirst Quencher and has 25 percent more electrolytes to advance fluid and electrolyte replacement. G2 is a low calorie, electrolyte beverage. Propel Fit Water is a lightly flavored alternative to plain water with just 10 calories per eight ounce serving and essential vitamins. PepsiCo’s overall hydration portfolio includes leadership products from the Gatorade portfolio as well as SoBe Life Water, Aquafina and Tropicana. No other beverage company helps quench thirst on more occasions and in more great-tasting ways. For more information, please visit and .
Gatorade Company
DALLAS, June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Still searching for that perfect Father’s Day gift? Don’t make Dad suffer through another year of misfit Father’s Day gifts like bad ties and craft projects gone wrong; a fun, reasonably priced gift is at hand. In a recent survey conducted by eRewards on behalf of Blockbuster Inc., 85 percent of dads said they would be excited about receiving a favorite movie as a Father’s Day gift, and 92 percent said watching movies is a good way to spend time with family. To help families everywhere choose a last-minute Father’s Day gift that Dad is sure to love, Blockbuster is releasing a dad-approved list of Movies to Make Dad’s Day.
Dads participating in the survey named movies they would be most excited to receive or watch on Father’s Day. The most popular choice by far among dads was “The Bourne Identity,” with 30 percent of dads choosing the spy thriller starring Matt Damon as a film they’d like to add to their movie library.
The Top 10 Movies to Make Dad’s Day, selected by real dads, are:
1. “The Bourne Identity”
2. “The Godfather”
3. “Casino Royale”
4. “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
5. “Braveheart”
6. “Gladiator”
7. “Ocean’s Eleven”
8. “Die Hard”
9. “The Blues Brothers”
10. “Office Space”
These and other movies favored by dads are being featured in special Father’s Day sections in BLOCKBUSTER stores across the U.S.
According to the survey, movies are a clear entertainment and gift favorite among dads. Among the dads surveyed:
— 92 percent feel watching movies is a good way to spend time with
family.
— 88 percent would be excited to watch a movie on Father’s Day.
— 86 percent said watching movies is one of their favorite ways to relax.
— 85 percent would be excited to receive a movie as a Father’s Day gift.
— Close to 40 percent of dads said they don’t get to watch movies they
like on a regular basis.
The above survey results are from a May 2008 survey conducted by e-Rewards on behalf of Blockbuster Inc. Those who participated were a representative sample of the U.S. population who are fathers.
About Blockbuster
Blockbuster Inc. is a leading global provider of in-home movie and game entertainment, with more than 7,700 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed worldwide at .
Blockbuster Inc.
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Wal-Mart Boosts Volume of Blu-ray and Hi Def Among More New Electronics Enhancements
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Wal-Mart announced today that it has completed a redesign of its consumer electronics department in stores nationwide, adding hundreds of new consumer electronics models and features. In addition to new product assortment, recent design changes intend to help Wal-Mart customers also better understand the uses and options of many new products in the market, such as the addition of a “hi-def Blu-ray experience area” in 1,200 of its stores.
Details about these new enhancements to Wal-Mart’s electronics departments include:
— A more than 58 percent increase in assortment of full hi-def
televisions (1080p) nationwide, with the introduction of new models and
brands, such as Sharp, and an expansion in larger TV sizes;
— A new display center for computers with an expanded selection of
accessories and ink, along with clear signage and better direction to
showcase the right equipment for the right use — home, school or
entertainment;
— A social gaming area of increased floor space for players of all ages
to select their favorite live action rockstar game, and even play their
favorite guitar ensemble right in the store,* plus a select area for
reduced price games;
— An expanded selection of GPS, including touch screen displays in some
stores and in all stores the addition of Magellan to the current GPS
offerings of Garmin and TomTom;
— An increased assortment of Blu-ray, adding new players such as
Magnavox, Samsung and Panasonic to its Sony line up, plus an increased
selection of hi-def Blu-ray movies in their own designated area.
With these changes, Wal-Mart is making a commitment to help bring Blu-ray and the hi-def TV experience to families everywhere at unbeatable prices. To start, this weekend Wal-Mart is offering a $100 Wal-Mart gift card with the purchase of any Blu-ray player in its stores, June 8 through June 14.
In addition, the retailer will have select Blu-ray movie titles for only $15 starting June 8, including movie favorites such as 3:10 to Yuma, WAR, Shooter, 300, and The Fifth Element.**
“We are excited to be a destination for families looking to create a high quality, affordable home entertainment experience with our new, wider selection of hi-def TVs, Blu-ray players and movies,” said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart.”
Among its new consumer electronics department changes, Wal-Mart also has increased its selection in digital photo frames; is offering more values in higher resolution cameras; and has lowered the price of prints in its Photo Services Center to $.15 per print for 100-plus prints. Wal-Mart Photo Services also continues to increase its selection of personalized items, many of which can be ordered with same-day service.
Wal-Mart stores also will carry new music products that represent the way many consumers enjoy their favorite music artists today, including a new assortment of players, downloadable music gift cards, digital album cards, fan membership gift cards, and cards for exclusive ring tones.
The retailer also continues to bring to fans exclusive music CDs and DVDs from their favorite artists. Today, Wal-Mart stores release a new music DVD of live performances from Jimmy Buffet for $10 and the awaited CD/DVD 3-pack from Journey that includes new music, past hits and a new concert performance for only $11.88.
* Social gaming area for live-action play available in 800 stores.
** Selection of $15 Blu-ray movie titles available while supplies last.
About Wal-Mart Stores
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at . The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting . Online merchandise sales are available at .
Wal-Mart Stores
WASHINGTON, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Wal-Mart Foundation today joined the Alliance to Save Energy and more than a dozen other partners to launch the “Drive $marter Challenge.” Earlier this year the foundation donated $675,000 to the campaign, which offers tips to help consumers lower their gasoline usage and increase their cars’ fuel efficiency through vehicle upkeep and smart driving. Helpful online resources in both English and Spanish provide consumers with suggestions on coping with high gasoline prices.
“Wal-Mart understands the impact that rising energy costs have on consumers who are struggling to stretch their dollars during these tough economic times,” said Matt Kistler, senior vice president for sustainability at Wal-Mart. “By working with the Alliance to Save Energy we hope to help Americans across the country save money at the pump so they can live better.”
The campaign Web site, , features a calculator that drivers can use to determine how much money, gas, and CO2 emissions they can save by driving smarter. Drivers can also find recommendations for increasing their fuel efficiency. The “Drive $marter Challenge” money and gas saving tips include:
— Slow down to save gas. Drivers can save approximately 80 gallons of
gasoline each year by driving sensibly on the highway. Speeding, rapid
acceleration and rapid braking can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at
highway speeds.
— Keep tires inflated. Keeping tires properly inflated is simple and
improves gas mileage by approximately three percent, saving as much as
$65 per year.
— Combine errands/trips. By combining multiple errands into one trip,
consumers can drive fewer miles and use less fuel. Several short trips
taken from a cold start uses twice as much fuel as a longer,
multipurpose trip when the engine is warmed-up and efficient.
— Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing a clogged or dirty
air filter can improve a car’s gas mileage, and a clean filter keeps
impurities from damaging the inside of the engine.
— Select the correct oil. Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of
motor oil, including re-refined motor oil, improves gas mileage by one
to two percent, resulting in annual savings of up to $40. Changing a
car’s oil regularly can extend the life of the vehicle.
The Web site also shows how each visitor plays an important role in curbing energy use and CO2 emissions by displaying a running tally of the cumulative savings of everyone who has taken the “Drive $marter Challenge” pledge.
“The Alliance to Save Energy commends the Wal-Mart Foundation and our other campaign partners for reaching out to American families who are reeling from high gasoline and oil prices with tools for cutting their vehicle fuel costs,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “The Alliance has calculated that the average U.S. household will spend $3,400 on fuel costs in 2008, but the ‘Drive $marter Challenge’ tips and resources are designed to lower these costs and put real money back in consumers’ pockets.”
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the company supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability, and health and human services. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit .
About the Drive $marter Challenge
The Drive $marter Challenge campaign partners are the Alliance to Save Energy, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, American Petroleum Institute, AutoZone, Inc., Car Care Council, ExxonMobil, League of American Bicyclists, National Association of Counties, National Association of State Energy Officials, National Independent Auto Dealers Association, National Low Income Energy Consortium, Natural Resources Defense Council, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Safety-Kleen, U.S. EPA’s SmartWay(R) and The Wal-Mart Foundation. More information on the campaign can be found at .
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
NEW YORK, May 14 /PRNewswire/ — ICFF, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, — Eilersen(R), already the undisputed leader of high-end sofa design and manufacturing in Scandinavia, today announces plans to expand efforts and focus key company resources on their already solid US presence — underlining their global leadership position in the luxury design market.With rapid market share growth in both Europe and Japan over the last decade, Eilersen has had proven success with their high-end sofa designs, often competing with — and winning against — the luxury Italian design houses. Committed to delivering iconic design, comfort, quality and functionality for more than a century, Eilersen is now experiencing a steadily-increasing interest for their products in the US.”With the feedback we’ve received from resellers and the industry, timing for a more deliberate market approach seems right. Already in the US in select Danish design stores for more than 20 years now, our strategy is to expand our US presence significantly,” Nils Juul Eilersen, president and owner of N. Eilersen A/S comments. “Being renowned as the leading upscale luxury design house for sofas in Europe, we’re now ready to boost our presence in the US in the luxury interior design stores. We see an obvious demand in the states from customers with a desire for quality and modern, yet comfortable, design. We know from experience that this market segment enjoys and appreciates Eilersen’s sofas, and we believe there is a large untapped market in the US for the Eilersen brand,” Nils Juul Eilersen continues.Eilersen is planning to stock a broad range of their high-end, Danish design models in the US in order to offer delivery within two to three weeks from purchase. “With in-country warehouse facilities, we have developed an in-stock-and-ready-to-ship program for our resellers, aimed at reducing the wait times for delivery on several of our most popular models such as Baseline, Control, Joy, Playground, Slice and Tub. This approach will significantly increase customer satisfaction and our resellers’ business model when selling highest-end design sofas,” Nils Juul Eilersen goes on to say.Eilersen became a leader in “modern” furniture in the 1960’s in Scandinavia and today sells their designs in more than 30 countries worldwide. Eilersen’s current customers are best described as people that have an upscale, metropolitan style, appreciate excellent design and want lasting comfort combined with high-quality manufacturing and long-term value.Eilersen will be showcasing their new and classic sofa models May 17-20 2008 at booth # 802 at the International Contemporary furniture Fair at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.About EilersenN. Eilersen A/S was founded in 1895 and has given both name and life to many classics. The founder, Nils Eilersen, was the first person in Denmark to use steam to form wood, and this type of innovation and tradition continue to be the mainstays of the company today. A fourth-generation, family-run business, N. Eilersen A/S has been producing distinctive furniture since the 1950s and is a global brand recognized for renowned quality, iconic designs, comfort and unparalleled durability. As the leader of high-end Danish sofa design in Scandinavia, Eilersen currently ships products to more than 30 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit . Eilersen
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The Cato Corporation Announces Resignation of Chief Financial Officer
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Cato Corporation announced today that Tom Stoltz has resigned as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective April 18th. Prior to assuming a position with another company, Mr. Stoltz will assist in the transition of his duties. The Company will initiate a search for his replacement including a review of internal candidates.In the interim, John Howe, Senior Vice President and Controller will serve in the role of Principal Financial Officer. Mr. Howe will report directly to John Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.John Cato commented, “Tom has made valuable contributions to the Company’s success. We wish him well in his new position.” Mr. Stoltz will be joining a privately-held sports apparel online retailer as their CFO.”This new opportunity allows me to draw upon my past experiences to assist my new company to continue their rapid growth and to further develop their reporting and planning systems and controls,” said Mr. Stoltz. “I will miss the entire team at Cato and greatly appreciate the confidence they have entrusted in me. I believe with the Company’s strong balance sheet, Cato is well-positioned to continue to realize profitable growth over the long-term.”The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced women’s fashion apparel operating two divisions, “Cato” and “It’s Fashion”. The Company offers exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices, every day. As of March 1, 2008, the Company operated 1,321 stores in 32 states. Additional information on The Cato Corporation is available at .Statements in this press release not historical in nature are considered “forward-looking” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; the Company’s ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel buying patterns; adverse weather conditions, and inventory risks due to shifts in market demand, as well as such other factors and considerations contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The Company is not responsible for any changes made to this press release by wire or internet services. Cato Corporation
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Kaufman’s Tall & Big Men’s Shop Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Style
DENVER, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Kaufman’s Tall & Big Men’s Shop, a clothing industry pioneer and sports celebrity hot-spot, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Kaufman’s, which has seen some of the most recognizable names in sports pass through the extra-wide, extra-tall doors of its South Broadway location, now serves a much broader cross section of the big and tall market.”It’s not just about athletes anymore,” said Sam Kaufman, owner of the original South Broadway store in Englewood and a second store in Bellevue, Wash., a Seattle suburb. “The market space we are addressing is actually gaining more attention every year from mainstream manufacturers and retailers, and our pricing definitely reflects our appeal to the mainstream shopper.”Kaufman said many new customers are surprised to find prices and brands on par with most any major retail clothing store. Through April 15, 50th anniversary pricing at both Kaufman’s Tall & Big stores means 50-percent-off pricing on brand names, including select Cutter & Buck, Greg Norman, Palm Beach and Majestic clothing as well as 50-percent off of select blazers, dress and casual slacks, and all leather jackets. All other inventory is 20-percent off.”As mayor of Denver for 12 years, Kaufman’s made sure I had the right apparel for the right occasion, whether meeting presidents, governors, mayors or neighborhood residents,” said Denver’s former mayor, Wellington Webb. “Congratulations on 50 years.”Kaufman’s Tall & Big Shop was founded by Fred Kaufman, who escaped the terror of 1936 Nazi Germany for opportunity in the United States. He opened Kaufman’s first store in 1958 at 3422 S. Broadway and moved the business into its current location at 3395 S. Broadway about 20 years ago. Sam Kaufman took over day-to-day operations of the business in 1995 and opened the Seattle store that same year.A former Tulane college football player, Fred Kaufman saw the need for big and tall clothing — not just for himself, but for the many Denver athletes he became acquainted with. Fred, and now his son, Sam, have steadily built up clientele for 50 years. Together, they have sold clothing to some of the most famous names in Denver Sports. From Basketball Hall-of-Famer Julius Irving and former Denver Nuggets Head Coach and ABA-NBA player Dan Issel to former Denver Bronco defensive line All-Pro Karl Mecklenburg to present day sports figures such as Denver Nuggets star forward Carmelo Anthony and Colorado Rockies Manager Clint Hurdle.”It’s my pleasure to extend a happy 50th to Sam and Fred,” said Hurdle, the Rockies skipper. “You don’t get to be 50 by accident; their attention to detail and service is outstanding, and the choice of brands, fabrics and designers is top shelf across the board. I started doing my shopping there in the ‘02 season, and I’m not going anywhere else.”Fred Kaufman acknowledged that even though it’s important to cater to professional athletes, the store is also focused on serving the growing big and tall customer market. “I’ve been out there 50 years, and the whole population, not just athletes, is getting bigger. We have been very successful in picking out the right fashions and trying not to charge extra for big clothes.”Sam Kaufman believes the secret to his store’s longevity and success is offering the best selection possible to his target market. “We can’t sell everything to everybody, but we can offer the best service to every customer, and we strive to treat every customer the same.”Sam also attributes his store’s success to identifying the latest fashions at trade shows and working with manufacturers to translate them into big and tall clothing. And all that hard work pays off the second the customer walks into the store.”It’s all about building relationships and friendships with our customers,” said Sam Kaufman. “We offer quality, value, selection and customer service — we treat people right. I go home every night and I sleep well, knowing I did the right thing.”For more information about Kaufman’s and complete information about the 50th anniversary special discounts and deals, visit or call 303-761-6000.About Kaufman’s Tall & Big ShopFounded in Denver in 1958, Kaufman’s Tall & Big Men’s Shop specializes in clothing and shoes for tall, big, athletically-built and hard-to-fit men. GQ Magazine has rated Kaufman’s as one of the top big and tall men’s stores in the United States, with the widest selection of quality, brand name and fashionable clothing for the nation’s men who need a little extra attention — men with a 6-foot-plus frame and/or 200 pounds or more of manly muscle. From tailored business clothing to casual and contemporary sportswear to formal evening dress, you’ll find it all at Kaufman’s at 3395 S. Broadway in Englewood, Colorado (303-761-6000) and at 30 Bellevue Way N.E. in Bellevue, Washington (425-453-8255) and online at . Kaufman’s Tall & Big Men’s Shop
LOS ANGELES, March 31 /PRNewswire/ — The Giantto Group, a prominent Los Angeles based Jewelry Company, specializing in original and custom jewelry and exclusive timepieces, recently announced their collaboration with the leading UAE (United Arab Emirates) distributor/ retailer Paris Gallery, a leading luxury retailer in the Middle East that launched the third “new generation” department store continuing in its evolutionary path. Indicative of Paris Gallery’s status as the leading retail market leader in the Middle East, no less than 5 million customers have to date visited Paris Gallery’s showrooms in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In 2008, Paris Gallery’s target is 9 million customers. The Giantto Group now further advances throughout the UAE and surrounding areas such as Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, Doha and Lebanon, just to name a few hot spots. With the development of a series of distributors all over European territory such as Russia, Spain, Puerto Rico and Italy, the Giantto Group and Von Dutch Watches are now preparing for the big industry show in Switzerland, Basel World 2008 (Hall #5, Stand D35). Paris Gallery and The Giantto Group are also planning a series of exciting Exclusive Von Dutch Watch Events. For the first time ever, Von Dutch Kustom Cycles will hand build and design one of a kind Von Dutch Choppers for Paris Gallery which will be displayed at prominent locations and events.(Photo: )Right in time for summer, thanks to continued success with the Von Dutch Watch line, the Giantto Group now releases its brand new colorful and bright Surf Edition Giantto collection and also makes sure to supply the LA hot spot Fred Segal in Santa Monica, simultaneously striking a deal with pro surfer Roy Powers, who is a leading extreme sports activist and Giantto Watch collector. Powers is addicted to the brand and will now flaunt a Giantto logo on his surfboard as he participates in the most aggressive surf competition. Fred Segal has influenced the fashion and beauty industries by launching young designers and new products from around the world, continually setting the trends of tomorrow. It is the fashion and beauty destination of Los Angeles, where creativity is always alive and individuality always encouraged, making it a perfect fit for the Giantto and Von Dutch timepieces.In March 2008, the Giantto Group also held a more than successful event in San Jose, CA at The Vault. It was hosted by Mark Towe Productions and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) superstar Chuck Liddell also known as “The Iceman.” Liddell and Giantto are in talks of putting forth an aggressive advertisement campaign featuring the Brawny Athlete and his favorite T3 model from the exclusive Giantto Timepiece collection. Liddell, along with his friends, star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Romo had an amazing time at the event with a handful of other athletes along with Playboy playmates and many more.”We continue to grab the attention of many lifestyles. Surfers, fighters, Sports super stars, and everyone in between from Los Angeles/Vegas to Miami/New York, and now onto Dubai and the rest of Europe. Thanks to all of our collectors, supporters, fans and partners. The Giantto Group has transcended typical industry restrictions and standards while we only continue to grow in leaps and bounds for many years to come,” said Anto G., CEO and president of the Giantto Group.For more information on the Giantto Group, please visit their web sites at / The Giantto Group
