Q&As

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. reported a net loss of $1.2 million in
fourth-quarter 2006, a significant turnaround from the $162.5 million
loss it generated a year earlier. The Chicago-based printer’s net sales
rose from $2.39 billion to $2.47 billion during the same period.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) has been effective
in ensuring the security of children without placing an undue burden on
Web site operators during its first five years of existence, according
to Federal Trade Commission.

Procter & Gamble is giving its Pringles brand a starring role with the hit show American Idol.

Pyrex cookware is getting ready to throw a party.

The World Kitchen brand has signed its first-ever endorsement deal, tapping Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis for ads, a gift-with-purchase offer and a sweepstakes.

Industry groups were thankful the Postal Rate Commission scaled back some of the U.S. Postal Service’s rate requests but were worried that others could drive could seriously drive up costs.

Recreation Equipment Inc. reported $1.18 billion in sales in 2006, which includes a 19% gain in online and catalog sales.

Wrigley is proving to be more than your average Cal Ripken, Jr. fan.

Forget snowstorms. Think s’mores. The Hershey Co. and Kraft Foods are collaborating on a joint campaign to boost s’mores consumption this summer.

The Great American Hanger Co.’s most recent catalog incorporates both kindness and kitsch. On its cover, the company asked “May we hang that up for you?” while within its pages it references the “No more wire hangers!” line attributed to Joan Crawford. On a more serious note, the National Urban League sent out a #10 envelope package with a $25/$50/$100/$500/other ask ladder requesting funds to support African-American economic empowerment issues. And a scaled-down version of PC/Nametag’s larger catalog, (both offer products aimed at meeting planners), offers ten pages of tips and information for recipients.

For the 14th consecutive quarter, the Direct Marketing Association’s quarterly review of DM business performance and prospects found that things were good in the last three months and should get better.