Q&As

The Talbots, Inc. generated second-quarter sales from continuing operations of $304.6 million, compared with $395.2 million during second quarter 2008. The apparel marketer recorded a net loss of $24.5 million during its most recent quarter, compared with a net loss of just under $25 million a year ago.

Vertis Communications has named Kathy Calta chief marketing officer.

Aster Data has appointed Sharmila Shahani-Mulligan has executive vice president of worldwide marketing.

A customer loyalty agency Direct Antidote finds that more than three quarters of Canadian consumers don’t think much of the relevance of messages they get from loyalty programs

Photography power Canon is rolling out the latest iteration in a pair of football-themed contest promotions- and its long-time sponsorship of the national Football League—to publicize the launch of a new camera line

Neiman Marcus Inc.

FetchDog, the canine-centric retailer founded by Glenn Close, offers new ways to connect online in its summer 2009 catalog. World Magazine

A regional campaign from nutritional products maker Xyience is tapping into the wild popularity of the mixed martial arts sport, Ultimate Fighting Championship

Kenmore is seeking people who are willing to confess to their weirdest and wildest ways to get dishes and clothes clean.

Three winners will receive appliances from the Elite line.

People can submit 30-90 second video confessions through Sept. 6. Visitors can vote for their favorite videos from Sept. 11 through Oct. 1.

Interestingly, many of the video submissions are from men. Here’s an example of one video by one entrant.

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. posted net income of $12.5 million for the second quarter, a 41% surge over net income of $8.9 million in the prior year.