NYSportsJournalism.com
Arguably the most successful female race car driver in the history of the sport, Danica Patrick said that this would be her last season as a full-time NASCAR driver but that she plans to compete in a "Danica Double" in 2018, the Daytona 500 (February) and Indy 500 (May). She will remain in the public eye with a new book ("Pretty Intense"), a documentary on Epix ("Danica") and other personal and marketing endeavors.
Refinery29
Ashley Graham has been noticeably absent from all the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, casting speculation despite the fact that fans have been asking the brand to feature a more diverse line-up. The model took to Instagram to tease her followers and hint that Victoria's Secret had finally added a plus-size model to its line-up. "Got my wings!" Graham wrote, but then added "...my #AdditionElle wings!" and #thickthighssavelives.
Los Angeles Times
Spirit Airlines acknowledges it needs to address its damaged reputation and has turned to a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co. for help. In a message to employees this week, Spirit Airlines President and Chief Executive Bob Fornaro said the airline has partnered with the Disney Institute, a Florida-based company that offers business courses to improve leadership, employee culture and customer service.
BizJournals
International food services and facilities management company Sodexo is buying sports and entertainment venue hospitality provider Centerplate. The deal will allow Sodexo to build its profile at American sports and entertainment venues. The Paris-based company says the acquisition will increase its revenue in sports and leisure twofold, as Connecticut-based Centerplate operates concessions at hundreds of stadiums worldwide.
Detroit Free Press
Door to Door Organics, an online grocer that specializes in organic foods, serving customers in 18 states, announced on its web site that it is no longer in business. The Colorado-based company, which celebrated 20 years in business, issued a statement: "Ultimately, the timing of recent events in the online grocery industry, as well as the impact that had on our funding prospects, was not in Door to Door Organics favor."
Cosmopolitan.com
The first look at Miley Cyrus' sneaker collaboration with Converse is here and it's as if the designs were birthed from the very essence of Miley - meaning, platforms with lots of sparkle. The singer took to Instagram to show off the shoes off, including a pink sneaker with a glittery silver sole and matching laces. The rest of the collection is equally shiny - including one with a black-and-white bandana print sole.
NYSportsJournalism.com
In 1954, Bill Haley & His Comets recorded "Rock Round the Clock" and it was the first year of an alliance between NASCAR and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. That alliance - called by both sides "one of the longest-running sponsor programs in any major sport" - was extended via a new multi-year sponsorship. Goodyear remains as the exclusive tire of NASCAR's top three national series. Financial terms were not shared.
Tubefilter
Ikea's latest piece of branded content gives YouTube stars a chance to share their holiday habits. The Swedish retailer has teamed up with digital media company Fullscreen and ad agency Wavemaker for a live stream that offers 100 tips in 100 minutes to viewers who plan on hosting guests during the festive season. The stream, which aired on Ikea's Facebook page, went live Nov. 16.
Lohud
The holiday season in New York City always includes a little magic, starting with a trip to ogle the fancifully decorated windows at some of the city's iconic department store. This year's holiday windows offer a mix of tradition with technology. The tradition of decorating store windows for the holidays dates back to the early 1870's when Macy's department store started dressing its windows for the Christmas season.
Cosmopolitan.com
The first look at Victoria's Secret much-anticipated collaboration with Balmain is here, so cue the resurgence of plaid, mesh, and copious safety pins. Victoria's Secret x Balmain will debut at the V.S. Fashion Show on Nov. 28 and be available online and in stores the next day. The line ranges in price from around $28 (for a strappy hipster brief) to around $248 (for a Swarovski crystal-embellished, longline balconette bra).