People seem to be taking "baby steps toward a new normal," NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay says in its release. "As Americans open up their wallets for more discretionary gifts like jewelry or take advantage of sales to buy for themselves, retailers will begin to truly believe that the worst may be behind them." ...Read the whole story

"This campaign has been a year in the making. They are nothing if not deliberate in terms of what they are," Mike Gray, president of Martin/Williams, tells Marketing Daily. "The inspiration for the campaign is financial pragmatism. It's an answer to the mess we've just come through. When you step back and look at what we've been through, it was an amazing opportunity to express this." ...Read the whole story

In the spot, the lawyer learns she is promoted to partner in her African-American-owned law firm. When the president of the firm tells her to take the day to celebrate, she heads out to her MKX, and uses MyLincoln to call a friend awaiting her at a yacht party. She uses different voice-control functions to make calls and play her favorite songs, finally picking up her soccer husband from practice. ...Read the whole story

"Perishables has been the one area where Target has struggled most," Jon Hauptman, a partner with Willard Bishop, a retail consultant in Barrington, Ill., tells Marketing Daily, "so it will be very interesting to see how they do. The success of their food offering will be based on how well they adjust their perishables." ...Read the whole story

Domino's will expand on the quality theme with a new "Behind the Pizza" microsite, to go live on Oct. 29. The interactive site will feature the "real stories" and behind-the-scenes footage from the farms that help supply 10 of Domino's' ingredients. Users will also be able to play games and earn points toward Domino's rewards, which can be shared with friends. ...Read the whole story

The company's activities start with the Kia NBA Tip-Off '10, where the automaker will hold assorted activities to celebrate the start of the season. They include sponsorship of two two-hour television shows on ESPN. The first, "Countdown to Kia NBA Tip-Off" was Sunday. Next Sunday will bring the second of the shows. ...Read the whole story

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