11/17

Nintendo launched a multi-million dollar campaign to support the Nov. 19 launch of its new gaming system, Nintendo Wii. And other marketers are trying to get a piece of the action.

Together, media and entertainment, financial services, travel and automotive advertisers are projected to drop $115 billion on online advertising by 2011, according to a new JupiterResearch report.

11/16

Wal-Mart started the holiday season in the black with positive third-quarter sales, and is banking on its Christmas marketing strategy to keep the registers ringing. The retail chain reported revenue of $246.9 billion for the nine months ended Oct. 31, a 12% increase over the same period last year, and a 5.8% jump in net income to $8.2 billion.

Mastercard will be integrating its products into Fox TV mobisodes, short episodes designed for mobile phones. The 26 episodes are titled Bones: Skeleton Crew, based on the network’s series Bones.

General Mills said it is repeating its Spoonful of Stories campaign for the fifth year, putting 5 million kids’ books inside boxes of Cheerios cereal. The annual campaign is tied to National Children’s Book Week (Nov. 13-19) and runs through General Mills’ longtime partner, non-profit foundation First Book.

Forget Shea Stadium. As of 2009, the New York Mets will play in a ballpark called Citi Field, thanks to a $400 million deal between Citigroup and the National League team. The 20-year naming agreement is said to be the largest of its kind.

11/15

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is using contemporary art as the backdrop for a new multi-million dollar marketing campaign to reinforce the whiskey as a luxury brand. The effort is part of a renewed push for the beverage, which tripled its ad spending this year.

Quiznos Sub is tapping into a growing trend; letting consumers develop a TV spot for the brand. In a twist, the ad must pit the QSR against competitor Subway.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

10/19

Lexus is using a slow-reveal public art exhibit, set against the backdrop of New York City, to show off its new luxury sedan, the LS 460. The exhibit, called Unpacking, evolves each day as panels are removed and the outline of the car is finally unveiled.

Coca-Cola’s new green-tea product, Enviga, marketed as a great tasting beverage that will burn calories, is set to begin a very active consumer sampling program in the New York metro and Philadelphia areas.

Frito-Lay has recruited personal chef Dave Lieberman for a supermarket tour touting sunflower oil.

10/18

Kellogg Co. will put Xbox 360 games in 80 million cereal and snack boxes in its highest-value promotion ever.

In a move to promote healthy eating among kids, Nickelodeon and the Walt Disney Co. are focusing more on linking their famous characters with nutritious products, including fruit.

10/17

Polaris CEO Tom Tiller is challenging the CEOs of Honda, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Can-Am, Kawasaki and Suzuki to ride their own ATVs against Tiller on a Polaris in a Nov. 16 competition in Las Vegas.

Sprint is giving fans of the CBS show The Amazing Race a chance to experience the global journey with contestants through an interactive promotion that puts viewers behind the scenes of the show through their cell phones.

10/16

BabyGap is putting the call out to moms and dads who think they have the cutest babies as part of a new contest to feature tots in an upcoming ad for the brand.

Pepsi has partnered with automotive lifestyle brand DUB and its annual custom auto show in an online contest that lets consumers post their own tricked-out autos to a microsite for a chance to win prizes.

7-Eleven is ramping up its image in the Chicago area by letting Chicagoans know that apart from being a convenience store, 7:11 is now the new start time for home games of the Chicago White Sox.

10/13

Jeep will promote the placement of its new Jeep four-door Wrangler in a skateboarding video game through a magazine partnership, eBay auction and a sweepstakes.

Scooby-Doo is giving out early treats in a Halloween promotion dangling spooky podcasts and a chance to win $25,000.

10/12

Mercedes-Benz has planted several of its sedans in Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide and is promoting a sweepstakes as part of an initiative to raise support for breast cancer awareness month. It hopes to sell 1,000 special edition sedans it made just for the promotion. Key For the Cure, a national women’s cancer initiative.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

9/18

Levi’s fans who want to star in the brand’s newest commercial can plug their own headshot into its TV spot online that shows a man tackling a jeans thief when he sees live news coverage of police chasing the thief into his own backyard.

Creepy crawly bugs will scale building walls, appear on TV screens, emerge in video games and invade magazine pages as part of a new Jeep campaign. The creatures are really Jeep Wrangler vehicles that look like bugs from above when carrying sporting equipment on their roofs.

9/15

Doritos launched a contest yesterday for consumers to create a 30-second spot that will air unaltered and untagged during the Super Bowl; the only spot that Doritos will air during the game, and its first appearance during the game since 2001.

A judge in Delaware Chancery Court will begin hearing arguments Dec. 11 in the lawsuits over the $1.3 billion merger agreement between Valassis Communications and Advo, Inc.

9/14

Commercial Alert is charging that Hasbro is toying with children’s health by featuring McDonald’s, Starbucks and other branded tokens in the new Monopoly game.

Dentyne gum plays campus matchmaker this fall with its first-ever college campus tour and nightlife events.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

Excerpts from our e-newsletter

12/15

PepsiCo will buy out General Mills’ share of their Snack Ventures Europe joint venture for $750 million. General Mills’ sale of its 40.5% share gives PepsiCo sole ownership of the business, whose sales exceed $1 billion annually.

Pizza Inn, Inc. has fired CEO and President Ronald W. Parker for violating his employment agreement. Rod McDonald, the company’s secretary and general counsel, has been named in his stead.

12/14

Kraft Foods will sell its U.K. desserts business to Premier Foods for $135 million. The sale includes Bird’s custard, Angel Delight and Dream topping brands, whose 2003 sales totaled $72 million.

Coca-Cola may introduce a new diet cola in the U.S. market in 2005, according to published news reports.

Wendy’s International has named Ian Rowden as executive VP-chief marketing officer to replace longtime CMO Don Calhoon, who is semi-retiring.

12/13

PepsiCo, Inc. and Discovery Communications have joined in a $10 million marketing campaign to promote the soft drink maker’s new Smart Spot program, which is designed to help consumers make healthy choices.

The History Channel will sponsor a $19.5 million multi-year tourism push for New York City. The deal earmarks $15 million for tourism ads, $3.5 million for historic preservation, and $1 million for programming.

12/8

Colgate-Palmolive will cut 4,440 jobs as part of a four-year restructuring plan. The company hopes to maintain volume growth, improve profits, speed up product and marketing launches and further globalize advertising and sourcing. Colgate expects to save $250 million to $300 million per year by 2009.

FedEx Corp. and the National Basketball Association have formed a marketing alliance under which FedEx will promote its international delivery services through domestic NBA events and league media properties.

To subscribe to Promo Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

11/11

McDonald’s hosts its third annual World Children’s Day on Nov. 20 with promos and p.r. events designed to raise $20 million worldwide for children’s charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities. Several celebrities, including basketball star Yao Ming, have agreed to make appearances.

Several toy manufacturers reportedly are helping beleaguered Toys ‘R’ Us with exclusive toys and dedicated advertising. Mattel, Inc., Hasbro, Inc., Leap Frog Enterprises and Lego AG have all committed some of their holiday items to be sold only in TRU stores, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Twentieth Century Fox TV will produce a version of its action drama “24” for cell phone users, according to a report in Variety.

11/10

Procter & Gamble is running a pajama party online sweeps for its Tide with a touch of Downy. The “Clean. Soft. Fresh. Moments.” sweepstakes will award a $10,000 check for a luxury pajama party as grand prize. The sweeps is part of Cincinnati-based P&G’s $50 million launch of Tide with a touch of Downy.

Kmart Corp. is readying a revamped Web site for the holidays, with plans for a daily sweepstakes awarding a $500 shopping spree each day. The new site launches Nov. 18.

11/9

WPP’s The Kantar Group last week bought trade marketing consultancy Cannondale Associates. The purchase beefs up Kantar’s retail channel expertise and gives Cannondale a broader network for executing retail-driven promotions, and an international platform for its research, especially its annual PoweRanking survey. Terms were not disclosed.

The Robert Mondavi Corp. will merge with beverage giant Constellation Brands, Inc., in a deal worth $1.36 billion.

New York City has backed off a plan to sell its name for use on a credit card in exchange for new revenue. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the deal would not have a big enough return on investment.

11/4

The Arena Football League plans to renew its sponsorship with the U.S. Army, keeping its status as the official and exclusive military service partner for the 2005 season. Terms were not disclosed.

Viacom’s MTV Networks and Televisa, the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world, will add MTV Networks Latin America’s licensing, merchandising and publishing businesses to the existing pay TV and broadcast distribution agreements with Televisa. This multi-year deal, terms of which were not disclosed, broadens a pre-existing agreement between the two media companies.

11/3

Holiday shopping is projected to reach $219 billion this year, up 4.5% from last year. Consumers plan to spend an average $702.03 on gifts and holiday trimmings, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2004 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey. Holiday sales generally account for 25% of retailers’ total sales for the year, and are a crucial part of overall annual performance.

To subscribe to promo Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

10/14

McDonald’s is temporarily dropping its globally recognized Golden Arches logo in ads in the U.K in an attempt to change customer’s perceptions. The two-week campaign is called “Change” and carries the tag line “McDonald’s. But not as you know it.” The ads show healthy meals such as fruits and salads.

Shell Oil Products U.S. is giving away 35 2005 Chrysler Crossfires and $1,000 worth of Shell V-Power premium gasoline in a fall sweepstakes promotion to drive traffic to its gasoline stations and generate applications for the Shell MasterCard.

Starbucks Corp.’s president and CEO Orin Smith, 62, plans to retire March 31, 2005. Jim Donald, 50, the company’s president of North America, will succeed him.

10/13

McDonald’s, Budweiser, The Coca-Cola Co., Eastman Kodak Co., Reebok and The Walt Disney Co. have signed as marketing partners of the NBA China Games 2004, scheduled for Oct. 14 and 17.

McDonald’s Corp. launched its latest edition of Monopoly this week, with Best Buy and Hasbro returning as partners. The Monopoly Best Chance Game 2.0 adds an online overlay for the first time.

This month at Pizza Hut, customers can play games from Patch Products before, during or after they eat. Malarky and Buzzword games will be touted on table tents at Pizza Huts’ 1,300 dine-in locations across the country. The tents include 25 Malarky and 25 Buzzword cards for play.

10/12

Miller Brewing Co. has struck a $100 million deal to reach Hispanics via commercials and sponsorships on Spanish-language broadcaster Univision Communications, Inc., a major step in its efforts to reach the Latino market.

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. reached a $1.5 million settlement last week with attorneys general in three states over a cigarette promotion in which some marketing for its KOOL brand has been curtailed. AGs from New York, Illinois and Maryland had charged that Brown & Williamson — which merged with RJR last August — targeted young people with its KOOL Mixx campaign. The company admitted no wrongdoing.

As grim predictions suggest that Delta Air Lines is likely to file for bankruptcy protection within weeks, the airline last week selected Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide to create a long-term advertising and branding campaign.

Bud has a new friend. B-to-the-E is the latest Anheuser-Busch product, one that infuses beer with caffeine.

10/7

Sara Lee Corp. plans to sell as many as 60 of its household products brands to fund more aggressive marketing for its bigger brands. Products likely to get more marketing funds are the Ambi Pur air care line; Radox bath and shower products in Europe; and Sanex personal care.

Ford Motor Co. has signed a deal to give away family vehicles on ABC TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show.

9/9

The Women’s National Basketball Association has opened the second half of 2004 with new marketing relationships with Nike, Foot Locker, Dell and The Milk Board. The deals come on the heels of the USA Women’s Senior National Team’s gold medal-winning performance in Athens.

Hyundai Motor America is using color-changing coffee sleeves to promote its new 2005 Tucson SUV. The sleeves will be distributed to more than 2,000 upscale café locations nationwide during September and October. When placed around a hot beverage, the coffee sleeve transforms from black to a mountainous waterfall scene, providing the backdrop for the all-new Hyundai Tucson SUV and its new tagline.

Kraft Foods has put the “got milk?” trademark on packages of Oreo cookies — and on the cookies themselves. The deal between Kraft’s Biscuit Division and the California Milk Processor Board, which owns the “got milk?” trademark, includes embossing the cookies with the tagline.

9/8

A California Court of Appeals has ruled that former baseball star Steve Garvey is not liable for statements he made while appearing in two infomercials for Enforma Natural Products weight-loss supplements. The decision limits the circumstances under which an advertising spokesperson can be held responsible for product claims, according to news reports.

Eric Kim, the global marketing chief for consumer electronics giant Samsung, left the company last week for a post as executive VP of marketing with data chip manufacturer Intel. Kim’s responsibilities will be picked up by Gregory Lee, who joined Samsung as CMO in July.

Foodservice operators ranked Tyson Foods the No. 1 supplier, followed by Coca-Cola and General Mills. Suppliers named McDonald’s Corp. the top operator, followed by Wendy’s and Subway.

9/7

PepsiCo has named former Kraft Foods, Inc. executive Irene Rosenfeld to head its Frito-Lay division. Rosenfeld, 50, will be chairwoman and CEO of the $9 billion snack and convenience foods division. She succeeds Al Bru, who will retire Feb. 1 after 28 years with the company.

Campbell Mithun hired Miller Brewing Co. veteran Jack Rooney as president effective Sept. 15. He had been executive VP-client management at GMR Marketing since 2002.

Visa USA is targeting young inventors with an online essay contest dangling seed money to produce their inventions. The top 12 vote getters each win $25,000 to produce their invention.

9/2

J. Brown Agency let go as many as 40 staffers last week as part of a reorganization to fine-tune its infrastructure. CEO Tim Dorgan said 40 (about 40% of its 100-person staff) is “exaggerated.” The agency is hiring in Chicago and Stamford as part of its retooling, he added.

Capital One yesterday began mailing about 250 million gamecards to consumers dangling island-related prizes tied to its No Hassle Island Giveaway promotion. The grand-prize winner gets a private island plus spending money for a total value of $1 million.

8/18

Mall manager The Mills Corp. and Coca-Cola Co. this week broke a back-to-school promo offering music downloads. The Here’s the Download on Back-to-School campaign gives 10 free song downloads to shoppers who spend $150 in one day at a Mills’ mall.

Representatives were at the ready at organic-oriented supermarkets this month, handing out 50,000 samples of Silk live!, a new soy smoothie by Silk, along with a coupon.

Publisher Scholastic will run a trans-Atlantic essay contest as part of the $350,000 marketing campaign for its kids’ trilogy Children of the Lamp, debuting this fall.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has notified Tyson Foods, Inc. that it may bring a civil action against the company for failing to properly disclose $1.7 million in payments to its former senior chairman Don Tyson.

Coca-Cola Co. has confirmed that president and COO Steven J. Heyer will leave the company Sept. 1. Media reports speculated that Heyer may be in discussions to join Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in White Plains, NY, as CEO.

8/17

Procter & Gamble tucks in with a $50 million campaign — including a New York City pajama party and national sampling — to launch Tide with a touch of Downy.

Nivea is using a sweepstakes and millions of samples as part of an integrated campaign to promote its newest introduction into the skincare category, Nivea Soft, in a $1 million spend.

New Jersey’s Travel & Tourism division confirmed Friday that it will pull television ads featuring Gov. James McGreevey and his family. McGreevey, along with his second wife and their two-year-old daughter, was the focal point of ads showing the Garden State as a place for families to vacation.

8/12

Toys ‘R’ Us is preparing to sell its global toy business and spin off its Babies ‘R’ Us division. The retailer will restructure its flagship global business to cut costs and improve cash flow to ready the division for possible sale. Toys ‘R’ Us will cut operating expenses by $125 million by fiscal 2005.

CoolBrands International, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Weight Watchers International, Inc. and Well’s Dairy, seeking $360 million in damages over an alleged breach of a licensing agreement.

The U.S. Senate passed legislation last month that would give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the marketing and advertising of tobacco products.

Hyundai Hellas is supplying a fleet of 3,500 Hyundais to transport athletes, VIPs, officials and journalists attending the Olympic games, as part of its sponsorship agreement with the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee, valued at $19.9 million.

8/11

In celebration of the release of the paperback edition of J.K. Rowling’s fifth Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Scholastic is putting a $1 million marketing push behind the book.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

7/15

In response to the childhood obesity epidemic sweeping the nation, Subway has invested between $25 to $35 million, or 20% of its national advertising budget, to raise awareness and educate communities on the need to prevent and treat childhood obesity.

Three top brands, Nextel, Paramount and the Hansen Beverage Co., have signed on to sponsor individual trains in a Las Vegas monorail system that opens to the public today.

Procter & Gamble Co. handed its $4 billion communications account to Starcom MediaVest and Carat. The assignment includes media planning as well as planning for promotions and p.r.

The sexual lubricant brand K-Y is getting romantic, encouraging couples around the country to go on dates via a sweepstakes that awards a double date with The Bachelorette duo Trista and Ryan Sutter.

7/14

Magazine ads for “got milk?” starring media moguls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been retracted indefinitely following a whirlwind of negative media surrounding Mary-Kate’s bout with anorexia.

Less than a week after CEO Brad Blum stepped down, Burger King Corp. has named Greg Brenneman, a former airline exec, as its new head effective Aug. 1.

Hershey Foods Corp. leverages its NASCAR sponsorship for an online auction that uses candy wrappers as currency.

MGM, a symbol of Hollywood glamour, has launched a new line of cosmetics for consumers, a first for a major motion picture studio.

7/13

Campbell Soup Co. has teamed with NBC and Scholastic for an unusual contest that runs on-air, on-pack, in schools and online. The American Dreams Essay Contest weaves a competition into the story line of American Dreams‘ third season this fall: High schooler Patty Pryor (played by Sarah Raymos) competes in the essay contest.

Bank of America has signed sponsorship agreements with both Major League Properties, Minor League Baseball and Little League Baseball.

7/8

Mountain Dew has formed a long-term deal to be the title sponsor of The Dew Action Sports Tour, the first season-long, nationally televised professional tour for skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross.

Pfizer has signed a $1 million advertising buy with Radio Disney to get the word out about its anti-itch cream, Cortizone 10, to kids and their families.

A Westchester County, NY, executive has called for consumers to boycott Kellogg Co. just days after the company halted cereal shipments to two states, citing environmental concerns.

NBC Olympics and Solo Cup Co. have partnered to put NBC’s Athens Olympic logo, dates and 24-hour message on nearly 24 million coffee cups in New York and other major U.S. cities.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

6/10

Steven J. Heyer, the president and COO of the Coca-Cola Co. will leave the company following a mutual agreement between Heyer and new CEO E. Neville Isdell, who assumed his post June 1.

World Wrestling Entertainment has chosen The Media Kitchen of New York City to be its media agency of record, the first in WWE’s 22-year history. Billings are $8 million.

Procter & Gamble continued to cull shops in an agency review to consolidate promotions and marketing services for health and beauty care brands. At the same time, P&G named Ted Woehrle its first-ever VP-marketing for North America, effective July 1.

Office Depot will sponsor a national radio program starring Donald Trump, set to debut June 14 on 300 radio stations.

Home Depot will buy up to 24 Kmart stores in a deal worth as much as $365 million. Home Depot is expected to convert the stores “as quickly as possible,” per Kmart. The deal should be negotiated by mid-August.

Unilever NV will sell its stake in cosmetics and perfume maker Elizabeth Arden for $41.9 million.

6/8

Guild Group VP-Comptroller Phillip Liu last week pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $1.4 million from the promotion agency.

Federal regulators have ruled that KFC can no longer claim that its fried chicken is compatible with a low-carb lifestyle.

FTC Chairman Timothy Muris said that his agency won’t restrict food ads targeting children. He said debates on ad restrictions are “a distraction. There are a lot of things government can do, but getting kids to stop nagging parents [from buying things] isn’t one of them,” according to news reports.

6/3

A federal judge has told Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. to pull ads from retail that target rival Miller Brewing Co. for being owned by South African breweries.

Arena Football League teams will soon be wearing Nike uniforms and other apparel via a deal reportedly worth $5 million.

Major League Soccer prodigy Freddy Adu celebrated his 15th birthday by inking a pitchman deal with Campbell Soup Co. Campbell also has signed a sponsorship deal with Adu’s team, D.C. United.

Dr Pepper/Seven Up is set to introduce a low-calorie, vitamin-fortified carbonated drink that creates a new category for carbonated beverages.

6/1

AMP Agency is PROMO Magazine’s 2004 Agency of the Year, based on solid campaign work and strong two-year revenue growth.

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. is testing a new marketing program in its East Chicago, IL, location that lets casino employees market directly to gamblers on the gaming floor.

MasterCard International has signed a marketing contract with NY Mets shortstop Kazuo Matsui.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

5/6

Adidas has signed New York City high school star Sebastian Telfair, a 5-foot-10 point guard, to a deal reportedly worth $15 million.

A settlement between the New York Attorney General and a group of New York A&P supermarkets over sweepstakes marketing practices has ended in $38,000 in civil penalties against the grocery chain. A&P was alleged to have violated consumer protection laws by failing to provide entry procedures for customers not purchasing items from its stores, the AG’s office said.

Coors Brewing Co. drafted motorcycle mechanic Jesse James as spokesperson for Coors Original, starting with a summer sweepstakes, special packaging and regional TV.

5/4

Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay may face civil action from U.S. regulators over improper dealings of close to $6 million in vendor allowances with Kmart.

Brenda Barnes, the former president-CEO of PepsiCola North America, has been named president-COO of Sara Lee Corp. The appointment takes effect July 1.

Entertainment Marketing Inc. closed its doors in April, unable to recover from the March loss of key client Brown-Forman Corp. On April 15, the staff, including CEO John Davidoff, was let go by parent Svoboda, Collins, a Chicago-based private equity firm. The firm is handling the liquidation of EMI’s assets.

4/29

The U.S. Postal Service ends its sponsorship of the U.S. Pro Cycling Team led by Lance Armstrong. The eight-year relationship wraps up at yearend.

Fifty-seven percent of marketing and advertising executives plan to add staff in the next 12 months, up from 44% in 2003, according to a survey from The Creative Group. That’s because 88% of execs expected business to increase over the next year.

4/27

Universal Studios has partnered with Carl’s Jr., the American Red Cross and Toys “R” Us in an estimated $30 million marketing blitz to promote its upcoming and classic films including the new movie Van Helsing.

Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. scaled back a KOOL campaign after complaints that the effort targets black youths. The packaging triggered a written complaint in late March from Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe.

Snapple began installing vending machines in New York City public buildings after a New York state judge refused to block a $126 million deal between the beverage company and the city.

Kmart extended its licensing contract to carry Martha Stewart Everyday products through 2009, and will add furniture to the line.

Coca-Cola’s five-year exclusive contract to place beverage vending machines in Chicago Public Schools is about to expire and the school has decided to join other districts in banning the sale of soda in its 540 schools.

Anheuser-Busch has acquired 29% of Harbin Brewery Group Ltd. for $139 million. The Chinese brewry produces Hapi beer brand.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

4/8

Starz network is using instant-win games and sweeps to tout the television premiere this summer of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in a $4 million marketing blitz.

Procter & Gamble has partnered with Hasbro to print Trivial Pursuit Junior questions on its Pringles crisps this summer.

Sears has appointed Norm Marshall & Associates, Inc. as its entertainment marketing partner. Terms were not disclosed. (For an update see pg. 13.)

KFC is getting in on the wildly popular reality series The Apprentice, by extending a stint as chief sales officer to the runner-up.

Pet product maker The Iams Co. is looking to capture new customers and has tapped a pet makeover expert from TLC’s Trading Spaces to tout its sweepstakes promotion.

4/6

J.C. Penney Co., Inc. will sell its Eckerd drugstores to two competitors for nearly $4.5 billion. CVS Corp. will pay about $2.1 billion for 1,260 stores, mostly in Florida and Texas. The Jean Coutu Group will acquire 1,539 stores in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states, as well as the Eckerd Home Office in Florida, for about $2.3 billion.

PepsiCo and the NFL have extended their partnership, which had been set to end in 2006, through February 2011. The deal is worth $560 million over eight years.

Procter & Gamble is selling its $550 million Sunny Delight and Punica juice drinks brands to private equity firm J.W. Childs Associates, Boston. Meanwhile, Kraft Foods expands its beverage business with the purchase of Veryfine Products’ $150 million business from the Rowse family.

Alloy, Inc. has expanded its media holdings with the purchase of InSite Advertising, a media company with 13,000 ad displays in 65 markets. (For an update see pg. 13.)

4/1

Jimmy Dean has filed a lawsuit against Sara Lee Corp. alleging that Sara Lee continues to use Dean’s name, signature and pictures on its products without his consent.

Relationship management company Meridian Enterprises, Inc. has been awarded a $10.5 million judgement against Carlson Marketing Group, Inc. for patent infringement on its card-based incentive program. Carlson plans to appeal the verdict.

Jerry Seinfeld and Superman are both featured in an American Express “Webisode” that chronicles their unique friendship while subtly enticing Web users to sign up for an American Express card.

3/30

Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy has called for congressional hearings to discuss the issue of RFID technology and whether federal legislation should be enacted to protect consumers’ privacy.

Fuji Photo Film USA signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the New York Yankees.

Some 300 oversized apples on display in New York City will be sponsored by Verizon, Starwood Hotels, Best Buy, NBC and others. Sponsors pay $8,500 per apple.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

3/11

New Jersey has charged a state resident with masterminding a coupon fraud scheme that netted $800,000. Meanwhile, eBay has restricted online auctions of coupons, and marketers are preparing for new coupon coding standards that take effect January 2005.

As expected, Pepsi-Cola has launched a mid-calorie version of its original cola, Pepsi Edge, which rolls out late this summer.

ConAgra Foods is running a $3 million Star Wars promotion for Chef Boyardee tied to the debut of the animated Star Wars: Clone Wars.

3/9

J.M. Smucker Co. will buy International Multifoods Corp. in a deal worth $840 million. Total marketing spending may exceed $100 million this year, with an estimated $25 million to $30 million earmarked for promotions.

McDonald’s Corp. ran a $15 million make-good giveaway earlier this week as it continues to handle fallout from the 2001 McScandal.

Target Corp. plans to phase out its “smart card” technology this summer due to limited shopper use.

3/4

Procter & Gamble Co. has asked rival Frito-Lay to pull TV and print advertising that says consumers prefer Frito’s Stax crisps to P&G’s Pringles.

Belgium’s Interbrew and Brazil’s AmBev have agreed to combine in a complex stock deal worth $11.5 billion.

McDonald’s is getting rid of its extra-large portions, phasing out Supersize fries and drinks.

A preliminary effort is underway to develop a response rate study for promotion tactics, headed by the Promotion Marketing Association.

3/2

McDonald’s has renewed its sponsorship with the Olympics through 2012, giving it exclusive marketing rights in the restaurant and food service category.

California Sen. Debra Bowen (D-Redondo Beach) proposed legislation to set privacy standards for RFID technology.

The FTC has opened an inquiry into the telemarketing practices of Reader’s Digest.

2/26

Kellogg Co. and Cartoon Network will break an estimated $3 million to $4 million back-to-school blitz in June that puts Cartoon Network characters on and in 100 million packages.

Cadbury Schweppes has tapped former YUM Restaurants International CMO Randy Gier to head marketing efforts for its Americas Beverages division.

2/24

MARS Advertising Co. suffered a fire late last week at its building in Southfield, MI, which forced hundreds of employees to relocate to a nearby temporary workspace. No one was hurt.

Kraft Foods will launch at least eight new products by July under its Health & Wellness umbrella and bow a coffeemaker. Marketing spending on new products could hit $350 million to $400 million.

The CEO and chairman of Coca-Cola Co. Doug Daft, 60, will retire at the end of the year.

Wal-Mart Stores has signed up 138 manufacturers and expects more to join its test of RFID tags beginning in January 2005.

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

2/10

In a partnership with Nickelodeon, Burger King restaurants nationwide will feature characters from the popular cartoon series The Fairly OddParents on promotional toys. The campaign showcases 10 toys featuring characters Timmy, Cosmo and Wanda.

Hershey Foods Corp. plans to introduce a line of nutrition bars in a deal with Dr. Barry Sears. The products will debut during the third quarter of 2004. The bars will have the science-based nutritional benefits of the Zone Diet and will carry the Dr. Sears Zone Approval seal.

2/5

General Mills may face a civil lawsuit by the Securities & Exchange Commission over its sales practices and related accounting. The SEC began investigating General Mills’ sales procedures in October 2003.

Sara Lee Corp. named TBWA/Chiat/Day as its agency of record for its Ball Park and Jimmy Dean brands. Billings are estimated at between $40 million and $45 million.

Blimpie International, Inc. entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart to own and operate Blimpie Xpress restaurants in various retail locations across the country. The first two locations open in April.

2/3

General Mills introduced Strawberry Banana Berry Burst Cheerios with a $21 million advertising and promotion campaign.

McDonald’s Corp. will begin offering Go Active! Adult Happy Meals later this year. It tested the meals last September at 150 restaurants in Indiana.

Catalina Marketing Corp. plans to cut 70 jobs, or 6% of its workforce over the next two months.

Pixar Animation Studios ended its 13-year film-making and distribution partnership with Walt Disney Co. last week after 10 months of unsuccessful negotiations.

1/29

Kraft Foods will cut 6,000 jobs and close or sell off 20 plants over the next three years.

Masterfoods USA, Regal Entertainment Theatre Operations and Regal CineMedia have entered into a partnership to promote select Masterfoods brands including M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers and Starburst in REG theatres nationwide.

Songstress Beyonce Knowles will act as spokesperson for a new Tommy Hilfiger fragrance to launch in the fall.

L’Oreal has signed an agreement to buy Chinese make-up brand Yue-Sai.

1/27

Nike, Inc. has signed on as an official sponsor of the 2006 and 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, replacing rival Adidas-Solomon.

The three-year sponsorship agreement between Kobe Bryant and McDonald’s will not be renewed.

In an abrupt change, Burger King Corp. named Crispin Porter & Bogusky to replace Young & Rubicam as its lead creative advertising agency.

Publicis Groupe will merge Frankel with Leo Burnett’s interactive shop iLeo North America, direct-marketer Semaphore Partners and promo shop Arc (formerly Clarion) to form Arc North America.

1/22

Sara Lee has dumped country crooner Jimmy Dean as the spokesman for the sausage company he founded more than 30 years ago.

Long John Silver’s, Inc. will give away a new menu item — free giant shrimp — if water is discovered on Mars.

1/15

Switzerland Cheese has awarded its marketing account to Euro RSCG Worldwide. Billings are estimated at $7.5 million.

Twenty-one attorneys from Hall Dickler will move to law firm Reed Smith.

To subscribe to promo Xtra, visit promomagazine.com

1/13

Kraft Foods announced a global reorganization to streamline U.S. and international operations. Former co-CEO Betsy Holden, demoted as president-Kraft Foods North America in December, takes on the newly formed top marketing post: president-global marketing and category development.

Grey Global Group’s promotion agency, J. Brown/LMC Group, merged with food broker Crossmark’s marketing division, Crosscut Marketing. The merger forms a new shop, The J. Brown Agency in Stamford, CT. The deal combines J. Brown’s promotion and account-specific marketing expertise with Crosscut’s in-store merchandising and retail research expertise.

The Arena Football League and Regal CineMedia plan to run a mini-movie, produced by The NBC Agency, in 400 Regal Entertainment Group theaters from Jan. 9-29. The two-minute mini-movie stars Philadelphia Soul co-owner Jon Bon Jovi and Colorado Crush co-owner John Elway, and promotes the upcoming 2004 Arena Football League season.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s will feature Yu Yu Hakusho toy figures in their Kids Combo meals, along with a sweepstakes giveaway, from March 3 through April 20. The QSRs expect to give away about 4 million premiums and 495 prize packages.

Starbucks Coffee Co. has decided not to charge a monthly inactivity fee for its branded cards. The announcement came just weeks after Sen. Charles Schumer (D. NY) said he plans to propose federal legislation to ban monthly fees automatically deducted from gift cards. Starbucks said the plan to eliminate the fee had been in the works prior to Schumer’s announcement.

FDS plans to distribute 250,000 samples of its new feminine deodorant spray this month to health clubs nationwide. FDS Pursonals is a portable spray in a petite 0.5 oz. package.

The Schwan Food Co., Marshall, MN, begins its first long-term, loyalty-based program with the Home & Gifts Store. Customers can redeem points acquired with online or phone purchases to receive discounts on premium appliances and cookware.

Advertising sales and marketing company Interep has formed a new division offering a database of 20,000 events and promotions to the event marketing industry.

1/8

Time Life, Inc. will pay $30,000 in civil penalties following charges that it violated Pennsylvania’s Do-Not-Call law, the state said. Thirty complaints from consumers claimed they had been contacted illegally with telephone solicitations for magazine subscriptions, books and music CDs. Time Life admitted no wrongdoing.

Pepsi products will start appearing on store shelves in Iraq for the first time since 1990 in an agreement with PepsiCo International and Baghdad Soft Drinks Co. (See p. 11.)

Estée Lauder Cos. has named William Lauder, the grandson of the company’s founder Estée Lauder, as chief executive. The appointment takes effect July 1. Lauder, 43, replaces Fred Langhammer, who will retire as CEO and director, but will assume the newly created position of chairman, global affairs.

Chrysler Corp. announced its sponsorship of NBC’s new prime-time reality show, The Apprentice, which premiered Jan. 8. The sponsorship included automotive exclusivity.

Some British Airways ads raised the ire of Israeli police after hundreds of road signs directing consumers to London landmarks were placed in Israeli cities. They looked too similar to official road signs, cops said.

Yahoo’s new campaign for its Yahoo Personals classified ad site uses “real” people as models. One subject, Los Angeles resident Julie Koehnen picked three men to join her for a date on top of a Sunset Strip billboard.

1/6

Restaurant chain Chick-fil-A put a temporary stop to its ad campaign featuring cartoon cows persuading consumers to choose chicken instead of beef, citing sensitivity surrounding concerns over mad cow disease.

South Dakota cattle producers planned to give away $5 discount coupons, known as Beef Bucks, at Kessler’s Grocery in Aberdeen and will speak with consumers to encourage beef consumption.

General Motors Corp. dropped $50 million on a give-away promotion to generate traffic in its showrooms and build awareness. (See p. 12.)

Slim-Fast announced the 2004 Slim-Fast Challenge exclusive to Wal-Mart stores. The promotion kicked off Jan. 10 with in-store weigh-ins at 3,500 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores. An estimated 500,000 consumers are expected to participate. (See p. 24.)

Richard H. Leeds, the co-founder of Thomson-Leeds P-O-P advertising agency, died Christmas morning of heart failure at North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, NY. He was 82.

12/30

A federal judge denied the Federal Trade Commission’s request to block software firm D-Squared Solutions, San Diego, from sending pop-up ads online. The case goes to trial on March 8, 2004.

Law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips will merge with litigation boutique Parcher Hayes & Snyder, beefing up Manatt’s roster of entertainment clients and its litigation expertise. Los Angeles-based Manatt brought over 10 staffers from Hall Dickler Kent Goldstein & Wood in November after merger negotiations between the firms fell through (December PROMO).

Burger King Corp. named Dr. Joanne Lichten, Ph.D, RD, to the post of chief nutritionist. She will be responsible for bringing a consumer-driven, nutritional sensibility to the current Burger King menu, as well as future product innovations. (See p. 24.)

12/23

DaimlerChrysler Corp., under pressure from its dealers, female buyers and women who work for Chrysler, cancelled its sponsorship of the Lingerie Bowl, a controversial television show involving scantily-clad women.

Darden Restaurants, Inc., Orlando, FL, blamed much of the recent sales slump at its Red Lobster chain on the brand’s marketing. Promotional offerings at the restaurants were “not as compelling,” CEO Dick Rivera told analysts.

Wal-Mart stores will begin offering 200,000 songs for download on its Web site, www.walmart.com, selling songs for 88 cents each. The decision placed the retailer in direct competition with other online music download services like Apple’s iTunes and Roxio, Inc.’s Napster 2.0, currently offering music downloads for 99 cents apiece. (See p. 21.)

To subscribe to PROMO Xtra, visit promomagazine.com