Wayne, NJ  (Profitable.com)  Toys”R”Us® today announced that it has expanded its mobile offerings for the holiday season, providing an enhanced shopping experience for on-the-go shoppers.  In addition, updates made to the Toys”R”Us shopping experience for iPhone and Android users make it even easier to shop with THE toy authority, and new partnerships with eBay, Google and shopkick help customers locate the product they want, pay for purchases and save money, all from their mobile devices.

“Mobile commerce is our fastest growing channel of consumer engagement, as shoppers increasingly use their smartphones to research gifts, get product reviews, compare prices, check availability of an item at a local store, save money with deals and pay for their purchases,” said Greg Ahearn, Chief Marketing Officer, Toys”R”Us, U.S.  ”As new technologies emerge, we continue to partner with leading providers to enhance our mobile offerings, making it easier than ever for Toys”R”Us customers to navigate our stores and websites to find the must-have gifts for the kids in their lives.”

Finding the RIGHT Gift with Toys”R”Us on iPhone and Android:  In addition to ongoing mobile offerings for iPhone and Android, by the end of this month, Toys”R”Us shoppers will have the ability to look up a little one’s Toys”R”Us Wish List via the Toys”R”Us app on their smartphone.  A version of the Toys”R”Us Gift Finder, currently accessible on Toysrus.com and the company’s iPad app, will also be available for iPhone and Android devices.  The Gift Finder asks gift-givers a series of questions about the child they’re shopping for, and provides gift suggestions based on age and interests. And, when customers search for a product, they will be able to sort the results by relevance, best-selling items, top-rated items or price.

Milo and RedLaser 3.0 for iPhone Allow Easy Access to Product Availability: On-the-go shoppers can also use their smartphones to check the availability of a specific product they’re looking for at a local Toys”R”Us store through the company’s partnership with eBay that makes local inventory searchable on free mobile apps Milo and RedLaser 3.0.  Using the RedLaser 3.0 app for iPhone, customers can pay for the item they’re looking for within the app, and then pick up their item at a nearby store.

Location-Based Programs Foursquare and shopkick Provide Additional Ways to Save: Parents and gift-givers shopping at Toys”R”Us on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the official start to the holiday season can check-in at their local store via Foursquare to receive the Geoffrey Holiday Badge, while supplies last. After unlocking the badge, those who check-in can redeem a coupon for 15% off a purchase of $150 or more, valid Sunday, November 27 through Saturday, December 3*.  In addition, Super Swarm deals will be unlocked when 15 people check in at the same Toys”R”Us location within a three-hour timeframe on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, allowing participants to choose from the following offers: Buy One, Get One 40% off no-contract phone cards, $50 off the Imaginarium® City Central Train Table or 40% off all Incredible Edibles**.  Throughout the remainder of the holiday season, shoppers can unlock the Geoffrey Holiday Badge and additional special savings opportunities when checking in at Toys”R”Us on Foursquare.

In approximately 100 Toys”R”Us stores in the New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles metro areas, customers can receive savings just by walking in the door through a partnership with shopkick. Shopkick rewards shoppers just for visiting thousands of partner retailers nationwide, allowing them to earn “kicks” that can be redeemed for Toys”R”Us gift cards, among other things.  Shopkick users visiting participating Toys”R”Us stores from Thursday, November 24 to Saturday, November 26can earn 500 kicks, and a coupon for $10 off the purchase of $100 or more that can be used the following week.

Google Wallet Available in 200 “R”Us® Stores: Customers in approximately 200 Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in major metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Francisco can use their phone to pay for their purchases using Google Wallet.  Google Wallet is a new payment option that uses near-field communication technology to turn a shopper’s cell phone into their wallet, allowing them to pay for purchases, and even redeem coupons, by simply tapping their phone on a special reader installed at the register.  Google Wallet is presently available on Sprint Nexus S 4G phones.

QR Codes Bring the Hottest Toys of the Season to Life

Customers have responded enthusiastically to the dynamic, interactive content provided by quick response, or QR codes, that the company has used to supplement print advertising vehicles, product packaging and in-store signage.

For example, in the approximately two weeks following the launch of The Great Big Toys”R”Us Book, the four product-specific QR codes throughout the catalog for Air Swimmers® eXtreme from Animal Planet™, My Keepon® from Wow! Stuff, Moshi Monsters™ from Spin Master™ and The Trash Pack™ from Moose Toys® and the Fast Lane® JLX Matrix™ from Toys”R”Us, were scanned tens of thousands of times. Each item’s accompanying QR code lets viewers see demonstrations of the product in action, such as My Keepon bopping to a dance beat or the Air Swimmers eXtreme sneaking up on an unsuspecting parent.

QR codes are also available as part of in-store signage and on individual product packaging to showcase product demos or provide additional information on how a particular program works.  For example, packaging for five select items from the True Heroes® L.A.S.E.R. line, the company’s foremost action figure and role play brand that highlights the real heroes of the future, features QR codes that allow customers to access a unique online comic experience for kids where the stories of the characters’ adventures come to life, bringing action figure play into the digital world.

Mobile Messaging, Barcode Scanners and eGift Cards Make It Easy to Save and Pay On-the-Go

Customers can opt-in to the company’s “R” Mobile Messaging program to have the week’s best deals at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us® sent directly to their mobile phones. SMS messages are sent up to twice per week, and highlight some of the most compelling savings offers currently available.  Customers can text “DEALS4″ to 78697 for Toys”R”Us deals, “DEALS7″ to 72229 for Babies”R”Us offers, and “EEDEALS” to 78697 to receive special notification regarding electronics deals.***

The company supports “R” Mobile Messaging with a comprehensive marketing program, inclusive of placement in print circulars and colorful in-store signage complete with the easy-to-follow “text” instructions on how to become a subscriber described above. In addition, all signage promoting the mobile messaging program in “R”Us stores across the country features the “R” Mobile icon: a backwards “ringing” “R.”

All Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores are also equipped with coupon barcode scanners, which allow store associates to scan customers’ mobile e-mail coupons straight from their mobile devices – no coupon clipping required!

Shoppers can also pay for their purchases using their mobile devices with Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us eGift Cards, which can be sent from a gift-giver to the recipient electronically via e-mail, and the recipient can redeem the gift card in-store via their mobile device. Those who wish to send eGift Cards to loved ones can visit Toysrus.com/GiftCertificates to browse the latest holiday offerings.

About Toys”R”Us, Inc.

Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 873 Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 600 international stores and over 140 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com andFAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys”R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys”R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO, and on Twitter atTwitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

*Valid in-store only. One coupon per guest. Excludes baby food, diapers, formula, wipes, Ameda, Baby Brezza, Baby Jogger, BOB, Britax, Bugaboo, Cybex, ERGObaby, Mamas & Papas, Motherhood Maternity, Nap Nanny, Pediped, Peg Perego, Phil & Teds, Robeez, Tommee Tippee, Under Armour, electronic learning toys, netbooks, tablets, video game hardware, video games, Apple products, FAO products, RobotGalaxy, Buyer Protection Plan, gift cards, photo studios, phone orders, Special Orders, assembly fee, breast-pump rental free, delivery free, and shipping & handling. Not valid with any other “R”Us total transaction offer or on prior purchases. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase and value is forfeited if item is returned. Coupon prorated among eligible items purchased. Only original coupons accepted. Void where prohibited. Valid USAonly. Cash value 1/100 of 1 cent.

** To redeem from your phone, display mobile coupon at checkout. In-store purchase only. One coupon per guest. Not valid with any other “R”Us offer for same item or on prior purchases. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase and value is forfeited if item is returned. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Void where prohibited. Valid contiguous United States,Alaska and Hawaii. Cash value 1/100 of 1¢.  For phone card offer, discounted item must be of equal or lesser value to the lowest priced item purchased. Creepy Crawlers offer excludes Incredible Edibles Fright Factory. Sale prices valid through 11/25/11. Prices may vary at Toys”R”Us Express and outlet stores. Interim price changes may have occurred. Select items, styles or events may not be available at all locations. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

***Standard text and data rates apply.  Up to two messages per week.  Text STOP to end, HELP for help.

Coffee Lovers Put Single Cup Brewers on Christmas List

(Profitable.com)  Coffee, the world would be a grouchy place without it. For some people, it is the only way that they can face the day. It is an eye opener that gives them a much needed jolt to start the morning, but not everyone wants to brew a whole pot of coffee. Most of the times, an entire pot of coffee is just too much, especially for the single people out there. They have all resorted to standing in line, or using a drive thru window to get their early morning coffee fix. It is time to change that habit with a single cup coffee brewer. These kitchen appliances will make just a single cup of coffee, not an entire pot. For some people this can be an absolute life saver. No more spending a couple of bucks to stand in line and be handed a cup of coffee.

Single Cup Brewers offer up a whole new world to coffee lovers. There are single cup coffee brewers that offer gourmet coffee creation at the touch of a button, and there are single cup coffee makers that can make a good old fashioned black cup of coffee any time of the day. Regardless of price, coffee lovers will be able to easily find a single cup coffee brewer that fits into any budget. Automatic single cups of coffee have never been easier.

Where can coffee lovers find the best selection of single cup brewers? SingleCupBrewers.net is the answer, and they currently offer the following selections:

Black & Decker DCM18 Brew ‘N Go Coffeemaker

Bosch Tassimo Single Serve Coffee Brewers

Breville BKC700XL Gourmet Single-Serve Coffeemaker

Bunn MC MyCafe Single Serve Pod Brewer

CBTL Kaldi S04 Single Cup Brewer

Hamilton Beach Personal Cup One Cup Pod Brewer

Keurig K-Cup Home Brewer

Mr. Coffee Single Serve with Keurig Brewing Technology

Senseo 7810 Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine

Toastess TFC-326 Personal-Size 1-Cup Coffeemaker

Coffee lovers will be able to find detailed product descriptions, specifications on each and every single cup coffee brewer. Find out what other coffee lovers are saying by reading in depth customer reviews. Single cup brewers make excellent gifts, and with the holidays getting much closer, now is a good time to start shopping.

SingleCupBrewers.net makes picking out the perfect single cup brewer easy.

The Big Toy Book Unveils the First-Ever Universal Holiday Toy Catalog App

New York, NY  (Profitable.com)  Today, The Big Toy Book® announced the beta launch of the very first universal toy catalog into the iTunes App Store.

Recreating Toy Catalog Fun for Today’s Tech-Savvy Kids

Unlike retailer catalogs, The Big Toy Book’s catalog app allows users to browse over 200 of today’s most sought-after toys regardless of which retailer is carrying them. Through the app, children can easily:

• Create personal profiles
• Browse over 200 of today’s most popular toys
• Circle toys they love with just a touch of the screen
• Build wish lists
• Share wish lists and retailer availability

Simplified Sharing and Shopping for Parents

With parental permission, users can share their toy wishes via Facebook or email. Recipients of a child’s Big Toy Book® wish list will receive full product descriptions, images, suggested age, MSRP and links to multiple retailers carrying the toys listed.

“It can be challenging keeping track of the multiple catalogs our children mark for us. As parents raising children in a tech-savvy world, we wanted to simplify the shopping and sharing process,” says Laurie Schacht, Co-Publisher of The Toy Insider and founder of The Big Toy Book®.

Social Shop- Online Window Shopping

In addition to the app, consumers can enjoy the same simplified shopping experience on TheBigToyBook.com, as well as “Social Shop”— which Corine Ingrassia, Owner of ComplicatedMama.com and Social Media Director for The Big Toy Book® describes as “virtual window shopping.” “We’re excited about the Social Shop because it is giving our community a bigger voice on the site. It’s like walking through the mall with your friends, browsing the shelves and sharing opinions.”

The Big Toy Book® beta app is free and currently available through the iTunes App Store for Apple’s iPad. iPhone and Android versions coming soon.

About The Big Toy Book®

Featuring products from a variety of retail sources, TheBigToyBook.com organizes items in an easy-to-use browsing format. Consumers visiting the site determine which products on the site are the hottest through feedback in the Social Shop, making the site truly unique.

For more information contact:
Laurie Schacht
646-736-2320
PR@thebigtoybook.com

Amazon's 'Countdown to Black Friday' Offers Early Deals for Online Shoppers

(Profitable.com)  The holiday shopping season has been quietly sneaking up on consumers. In just a few days the largest  shopping day on the planet will be here, Black Friday.

The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest shopping day for would be consumers that are looking for outrageous deals and savings. These groups of shoppers are the hardcore shoppers that will camp out on a cold frigid night just to get the best deals possible. This season things will be a little different.

E-commerce is expected to see a huge boost in sales as 58% of shoppers are planning on shopping online. Sleeping on a cold sidewalk is not necessary in order to save loads of cash. Online retail giant Amazon.com is luring shoppers to their website with their annual Countdown to Black Friday deals and savings. Shoppers can start getting deals now, and they just get better with every passing day.

With Amazon’s Countdown to Black Friday, shoppers will find that great deals don’t just happen every day, they happen every few minutes. That is the good news. The bad news is that some of the insane deals are in limited quantity. Not only will they sell out once a certain limit has been reached, but these deals are also timed. Once the timer counts down to zero, that particular deal is no longer valid.  Shoppers must get these deals while they last.

This is no different than traditional brick and mortar stores where all sales items have extremely limited availability. The advantage for holiday shoppers is the simple fact that they can shop from anywhere. There are no lines to wait in, no riots or fights over products, and some of the best deals can be found while shoppers are still in their pajamas. Smart shoppers will take advantage of Amazon’s Countdown to Black Friday this holiday season.

Big Lots Announces Spectacular Holiday Savings

Columbus, OH  (Profitable.com)  In a year when bargains are still the name of the game for many consumers, Big Lots is going all out to help customers make the most of their holiday shopping dollars. The retailer’s message to the budget-minded? Make Big Lots part of your holiday savings strategy!

“We’ve enhanced our offerings in areas where our customers have said they need more selection,” said Doug Wurl, Executive Vice President of Merchandising. “We’ve expanded our Christmas decor, pet, and electronics departments, including kids’ interactive and educational product, all with the goal of delivering extreme value.”

The season features a host of hot deals on exclusive items, interactive and educational toys, electronic games, gifts, licensed products, and more.

Big names, big deals

By purchasing brand name overstocks and through relationships with leading manufacturers, Big Lots offers tremendous savings to customers. This year’s assortments are a deal-hunter’s treasure trove. “We’ve worked hard this year to deliver an outstanding line-up of products,” stated Rob Claxton, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “We want to surprise and delight customers every week in every ad with unexpected deals that really deliver on our strong value positioning.” Highlights include:

Electronics and entertainment. Deep discounts on popular gifts like digital tablets, e-readers, electronic games, DVD players, headphones, and docking stations. New brands include IHOME, PANDIGITAL, SKULL CANDY and more!  Kids’ interactive and educational games and toys will include products from VTECH and LEAP FROG, as well as licensed product from DISNEY and the CARS brand.

Toys, toys, toys! Rock-bottom prices on all the favorites, including a large assortment of BARBIE, DISNEY PRINCESS, KNEX, MEGABLOCKS, and FISHER-PRICE.

‘Tis the season. Our expanded Trim-a-Tree department features all new “cashmere” soft bristle pre-lit trees, plus the hot new lighted branch decor, and musical pathway markers. Shoppers will also enjoy expanded assortments of boxed cards, multipack gift bags and giftwrap at amazing values! If customers can’t find what they want to decorate their homes at Big Lots, they won’t find it!

Holiday kitchen. Everything cooks need to trim out a holiday feast. Incredible deals from MR. COFFEE, CROCK POT, HAMILTON BEACH, CUISINART, ANCHOR HOCKING and more! From coffee makers and slow cookers to skillets and bakeware.

High home fashion. Just in time for the holidays, Big Lots will introduce JESSICA MCCLINTOCK HOME designer home furnishings at unbelievable prices. Items include luxury faux fur throws, pillows, bedding, dinnerware, and accessories.

Fireplace headquarters. Big Lots is making sure everyone has a place to hang those stockings and holiday cards with its huge selection of electric fireplaces. Plug in and enjoy the hot savings.

Pet stuff. The best gifts at extreme values in our expanded line-up for four-legged, furry, and feathered members of the family. Special holiday treats and toys, pet beds, outfits, and more from leading manufacturers!

Beat the rush

People who want to shop before Thanksgiving will find deep discounts on a wide assortment of gifts for everyone on their list. For those who love the real thrill of shopping at Christmas, this year Big Lots has doubled the number of advertised items for Black Friday. Stores will open at 6 a.m. and feature unbelievable deals like 30″ DAKIN bears for just $5 (limit 1/family, 50/average store), CUISINART small appliances with savings from 44% to 68%, a great deal on a PANDIGITAL tablet, an e-reader, and there should be no better prices on DVDs or video games than at Big Lots on this day. For customers who want to see the ad before it’s distributed and see other daily specials for the week of Thanksgiving, the ad will be posted online on Monday, November 21at biglots.com. Big lots will be open with special offers on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About Big Lots, Inc.

Big Lots is North America’s largest broadline closeout retailer. The company currently operates over 1,450 BIG LOTS stores in the 48 contiguous United States and 85 LIQUIDATION WORLD and LW stores in Canada. Wholesale operations are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY. For more information, visit www.biglots.com.

Hoffman Estates, IL  (Profitable.com)  This holiday, Kmart is bringing smiles to kids and parents alike with a special one-day-only doorbuster(1) on the season’s must-have toys. From 8 a.m. to noon (local time) this Saturday, Nov. 19, shoppers can buy any one toy and get one half off (2) on all in-store or online toy purchases. This deal is the latest way Kmart is living up to its “Smile Guarantee.” In fact, the hottest toys, Kmart’s Fab 15 toy list, are over performing on the smile index and causing extreme excitement—a condition in kids that the retailer has identified as N.U.T.S.O. (Nearly Uncontrollable Toy Smile Outbreak).

Luckily, Kmart’s official “Fun Ambassador” Rico Rodriguez has the scoop on this “disorder,” which can be found in a video clip on www.Kmart.com/Fab15. Rodriguez helps inform concerned parents about the temporary condition and also hosts a N.U.T.S.O. generator where kids—with the help of their parents—can upload their personal photos to see their own smile outbreaks.

“We at Kmart are always thinking about improving our customers’ lives, and we are thrilled that our Fab 15 toy list is exceeding its ‘smile guarantee’ quotient,” said Hugo Malan, SVP and president, fitness, sporting goods and toys. “But we wouldn’t be doing our job if we weren’t helping prepare parents for the holidays with the hottest toys that will make kids go N.U.T.S.O. on Christmas morning. That’s why we’ve made sure the toys on our Fab 15 list are the best on the market, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The Fab 15 list features the hottest toys of the season from top brands including Hasbro, Mattel and Fisher Price, as well as popular characters that kids know and love like Barbie, Dora, Elmo and more. All items on the Fab 15 list are guaranteed to make kids smile, and in fact are doing such a good job at meeting that guarantee that we are now faced with the situation of countless children going N.U.T.S.O.

To create even more smiles and help customers have their best holiday ever, Kmart offers layaway options, allowing shoppers to secure the top holiday gifts now before they are sold out later in the season. Kmart’s layaway plan can also help reduce stress by letting parents shop early and get great value.

Customers can shop for all of the hottest holiday toys, including the Fab 15, at their local Kmart store nationwide or online at www.Kmart.com/toys. All the toys featured on this year’s Kmart Fab 15 list range from $29.99 to $99.99.

For more information, visit www.Kmart.com/Fab15 throughout the holiday season to see how the Fab 15 “Smile Guarantee”—and going N.U.T.S.O.—affect kids everywhere.

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, County Living and Route 66. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

(1) While quantities last. No rain checks.
(2) Of equal or lesser value.  Offer excludes any clearance items.

Grand Rapids, MI  (Profitable.com)  Meijer is kick-starting the holiday season by providing customers with an early present: a digital look at the Midwest supercenter chain’s Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday door buster deals. The announcement was made today by Kevin Brown, chief marketing officer of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

“Preparing for the holidays can be very stressful, but by sharing our great ads early we can minimize stress for our customers and help them plan all aspects of their shopping, regardless if they are shopping for holiday dinner or gifts,” Brown said. “Meijer provides customers with a one-stop shopping experience, and we want to help our customers take advantage of all the ways we are going to help them save money.”

Links to the Meijer Black Friday and Thanksgiving Day ad previews were sent today to customers who currently receive e-mail alerts from Meijer, as well as the nearly 500,000 Meijer Facebook likes and Twitter followers.

This year, Meijer will continue its tradition of offering a variety of exciting door buster deals on three different days – Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and Saturday – to accommodate customers’ holiday shopping preferences. Examples of a few hot door busters include:

• Buy one iPad 2 starting at $499 from 6 a.m. to midnight (Thanksgiving only) and receive a coupon for $80 off your next shopping trip at Meijer.
• A Microsoft X-Box 360 Kinect Sensor Bundle will be available for $199 on Thanksgiving only.
• A Nintendo Wii will be available for $99 from 4 a.m. to noon on Black Friday.
• The iPod Touch 8GB will be available for $195 on Black Friday; includes a $40 coupon off your next Meijer shopping trip.
• Caterpillar Men’s Jacket will be available for $20 on Black Friday.
• Lego sets will be available for $15 on Black Friday.
• Assorted Monster High Dolls will be available for $6 on Black Friday.

Anyone wishing to receive access to the ad previews can visit www.connect.Meijer.com to register by signing-up for e-mail alerts or connecting via Facebook or Twitter. The Toy, Electronic & Holiday Gift Guides are already available online, highlighting the top gift items of 2011. While customers can see the ads prior to distribution, the preview does not change the effective date of the advertised products.

Of course, holiday shopping at Meijer would not be complete without Santa Bucks. This year, Meijer also plans to offer digital Santa Bucks through the company’s mPerks digital coupon program, which will allow customers the ease of digitally clipping the always-popular coupons using their text-enabled cell phones.

The Meijer mPerks program was launched in the fall of 2010 and has nearly 450,000 subscribers, with more than 5,000 joining the program each week. Access to Meijer mPerks is free; customers can register at Meijer.com/mperks.

About Meijer

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 197 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As the inventor of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings.

For more information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/meijer or like Meijer at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Merrimack, NH  (Profitable.com)  Product development company and specialty retailer, Brookstone has re-set the holiday clock this year, offering Black Friday deals all Thanksgiving week.  Starting Tuesday, November 22 and earlier, shoppers can give the gift of massage and feel the love all year long, or trick out the iPad tablet from Santa’s sleigh.

“Our goal this year is to offer Black Friday deals earlier in the week to maximize consumers’ time and add value,” said Brookstone CEO Ron Boire. “Knowing the Brookstone deals are valid four days before Black Friday gives shoppers plenty of time to beat the rush, get a jump on their holiday list, and sleep a little late on the 25th,”  added Boire.

Airport Exclusive              
Travel should be rewarded. Get $10 off any $50 purchase at a Brookstone airport store from Nov 22-27.  Maximize your travel time with holiday shopping.

Brookstone Holiday Deals – “Thanksgiving Week”            
Offers Valid Nov. 22-27, 2011

Brookstone is the destination for hundreds of gifts under $50!

$100 off on uSqueez® Pro foot massager. Give the gift of massage. Enjoy a gentle vibration to an intense massage for your calves, ankles and feet. $299.

Give the gift of luxury with a n*a*p® 3-in-1 Spa Comfort Set. Save $10 and get a $20 gift card with purchase of this plush robe, soft flip-flops and soothing eye mask set.

Tune into your music in style with Brookstone’s Earbuds trade in – Get $10 off earbuds $50+; Get $5 off earbuds under $50. Your choice – just for showing any old set of earbuds!

Save $50 on big sound with Boombox for iPad® Tablet. Docks, charges and plays your iPod®, iPhone® or iPad device — includes FM radio!  $99.99. Starts Nov 18!

Save $20 on the Video Pen. This cool pen takes full-color video and works as a real pen. (In stores only).

Save $10 on Boogie Board® LCD Writing Tablet with Stylus Holder and save paper with the tablet that displays your notes until you erase them.

Brookstone offers serious elf help with stocking stuffers starting at just $6.99! Receive a free stocking with purchase of 4 stocking stuffers.  While supplies last.

Black Friday Midnight Openings              
Select Brookstone stores will open with malls at midnight. Shoppers won’t be left in the dark – they’ll get a free Astro Super Lite with any purchase.  Black Friday, midnight to 8 a.m., Friday, November 25.

Brookstone, Inc., is an innovative product development company and specialty retailer of unique gifts. Brookstone operates 300 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates a Direct Marketing business that includes the Brookstone catalog and an e-commerce Website at Brookstone.com. Fans of the Company are encouraged to Like Brookstone on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Product prices and availability subject to change without notice.

CONTACT:
Kristina Lynch, Tara Ink
+1-305-864-3434, extension 153
Kristina@taraink.com

All New iPad 2 Keyboard Case Impresses

Hollywood, CA  (Profitable.com)  ClamCase®, the creator of the first all-in-one keyboard, case and stand for the iPad®, has announced the launch of their most anticipated model to date; the all white ClamCase for iPad 2.  The accessory that has revolutionized the efficiency of the iPad is now offered in an alluring pure white.  The latest addition to the ClamCase fleet arrives just in time for the holiday season and just might be the perfect present for under the tree.

The iPad is the most sought after gift, and along with this year’s favorite holiday gadget, comes bundles of accessory options to enhance the iPad experience.  Topping the wish-list is the latest model of the ClamCase product line.  The ClamCase not only elevates the iPad’s efficiency, but the new sleek white design also gives it an extra touch of style.

It’s thinner, lighter and whiter.  The newly released ClamCase, adds an aesthetic element to a product that is inherently practical and efficient. The fresh white design perfectly complements the white iPad 2 and continues to offer all the versatility that users have come to know and love.  It features a white, ultra-durable, high-grade plastic shell, the signature hinge (now in white) and a scissor-action white chiclet style keyboard, creating a balance between beautiful design and the ultimate in functionality.

ClamCase, a consumer electronics design company based in Hollywood, California, manufactures and distributes the world’s best tablet keyboard cases and peripheral devices. ClamCase products are in high demand worldwide for their desirable features and ability to enhance FaceTime®, Facebook®, YouTube®, Netflix®, iMessage®, online gaming, endless apps, and certainly web-surfing. In addition to the growing popularity with professionals, educational institutes, and other organizations, ClamCase products are used to protect the iPad investment, while greatly increasing its mobility, efficiency and productivity.

The White ClamCase® for iPad 2 is currently available at the ClamCase online store at www.ClamCase.com. For more information on the latest release, or to view the entire lineup of ClamCase products please visit www.ClamCase.com or call 800-939-0335 to speak with a customer support representative.

Bread Makers Review Offers Gift Ideas for Holiday Bread Making

(Profitable.com)  Bread has been around since the very beginning. It was and has always been a staple food that everyone enjoys eating, but not everyone enjoys making fresh homemade bread. This job can be a rough tedious task, and most people leave the job of making fresh bread to the local bakery. They just simply wash their hands of the entire process. Nobody wants to spend all of that time kneading the dough only to watch their loaf of bread never rise to the occasion. The reward for most people is just not worth the effort until now. Anyone can enjoy their very own fresh homemade bread with a home breadmaker. These handy little kitchen appliances take all of the hard work out of making bread, and leave nothing but perfect mouth watering bread every single time.

Consumers will find that there are plenty of home breadmakers on the menu, and some of them will make more than just bread. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme takes things up a few levels and allows people to cook tasty meatloaf, a rich decadent chocolate cake that will make a chocolate lover drool, and homemade jam. There is a breadmaker on every price level, and once people see the entire menu, they will have no problem finding that perfect breadmaker that is within their budget.

• Breadman TR520 Programmable Bread Maker

• Breadman Ultimate Plus 2-Pound Stainless-Steel Convection Breadmaker

• Cuisinart CBK-100 Programmable Breadmaker

• Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker

• Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic Bread Maker

• Sunbeam 5891 2-Pound Programmable Breadmaker

• West Bend 41300 Hi-Rise Electronic Dual-Blade Breadmaker

• Zojirushi BB-HAC10 Home Bakery Programmable Mini Breadmaker

BreadmakersReview.com gives people more than a choice. It gives them detailed product reviews, specifications, and a handy “What is in the box” for just about every breadmaker on the market. Shopping for a breadmaker has never been easier, and with the holiday season fast approaching, a breadmaker makes an excellent gift for anyone that enjoys cooking. The holiday season is a hot time for kitchen appliances, and sometimes breadmakers sell out. Plan ahead and do your shopping now.

Don’t be left holding stale bread, find that perfect breadmaker today at BreadmakersReview.com.

Headphones.com Releases Buyers Guide for Top 10 Headphones for the Holidays

South Hackensack, NJ  (Profitable.com)  Headphones.com, a leading online retailer for headphones and headphone accessories is has published an online gift guide for the top 10 headphones for the 2011 holiday season. Buyers commonly find it difficult to buy a headphone for someone else because sound is a very personal preference, it is not heard exactly the same from one user to the next. Now the purchasing process is easier with detailed descriptions of the top ten headphones available this holiday season.

Ten of the top headphones were chosen to be featured in the list, ranging from stylish celebrity endorsed headphones like the SOUL by Ludacris SL150 to the Beats by Dr. Dre Pro headphone. Also included in the list are the Able Planet XNC230P headphones, a plaid noise cancelling headphone which has received very high reviews, and is available in 5 different colors.

Gamers this season are excited with the release of the Turtle Beach XP500, the first completely wireless headset for the Xbox360. Boasting 7.1 surround sound, Bluetooth which also connects to mobile phones, and a full set of available sound customizations, the XP500 is sure to please any gamer.

Those looking to give a wireless headphone for TV will be interested in checking out the LTB Q-Home-FX, Headphones.com’s best selling television headset. This headphone is built with 5.1 surround sound and includes all available audio inputs, even digital audio! Be sure to check the complete Holiday Gift Guide for the full list of recommended headphones.

Headphones.com is part of the AlltecStores network. The AlltecStores network consists of several specialty e-tail websites focusing on audio-visual and technology products. It’s main website, AlltecStores.com is parent to several others e-commerce sites, including Headphones.com, ProjectorScreenStore.com, AllCartStore.com, PodiumAndLecternStore.com, AllWhiteboards.com, ProjectorBulbsandLamps.com, NationalAVSupply.com and more. Manufacturers interested in having their products on Headphones.com should contact pr(at)headphones(dot)com. For more information visit http://www.headphones.com

Dallas, TX  (Profitable.com)  With more than one million books available in the Kindle Store, the Kindle Touch 3G is perfect for the bookworm on your list. Beginning next week, AT&T* will sell Amazon’s Kindle Touch 3G in select AT&T company-owned retail stores nationwide for $149.

Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch is also lighter, smaller, eliminates battery anxiety with extra-long battery life and holds thousands of books.

Kindle Touch 3G, which connects over the AT&T mobile broadband network as well as Wi-Fi, allows users to download books and periodicals in less than 60 seconds.  The convenience of 3G comes with no monthly fees, data plans, or annual contracts.

“The Kindle Touch 3G is a convenient and affordable holiday gift for the reading enthusiast on your list,” said Glenn Lurie, president, emerging devices, AT&T. “With the largest selection of today’s hottest books, customers will find the perfect book they’re looking for this year on the new Kindle Touch.”

Kindle Touch 3G includes all the same features that helped make the third-generation Kindle the No. 1 bestselling e-reader in the world:

• Free 3G wireless, no annual contracts, no monthly fees
• Global 3G coverage means books in under 60 seconds in over 100 countries and territories
• Paper-like Pearl electronic ink display, no glare even in bright sunlight
• Lightweight body for hours of comfortable reading with one hand
• Kindle Store with over 1,000,000 books – largest selection of the most popular books
• Seamless integration with free “Buy Once, Read Everywhere” Kindle apps for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Android, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and now web browsers with Kindle Cloud Reader.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T ?DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth’s Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon’s developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon’s own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle, Kindle 3G, Kindle with Special Offers, Kindle 3G with Special Offers and Kindle DX are the revolutionary portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers, blogs and personal documents to a crisp, high-resolution electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. Kindle 3G, Kindle 3G with Special Offers and Kindle DX utilize the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones, so users never need to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. Kindle is the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, and www.amazon.it. As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Hoffman Estates, IL  (Profitable.com)  In honor of the Black Friday tradition of shopping for super savings and the best values, Sears will offer customers more than 900 doorbuster deals and provide Shop Your Way Rewards Members with exclusive coupons and offers.

Sears gives customers more ways to shop, including Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store, which enables customers to order doorbusters online from the comfort of their home and pick up their items in-store at their convenience. Purchases made from Sears.com or through any of its mobile offerings are backed by Sears’ Ready In 5 Guarantee, which allows customers to shop from anywhere and pick up their purchases within five minutes. For added convenience, Sears offers curbside pickup at select locations(1).

Sears also recently created a “Shop Here, Give There” online layaway feature. Whether gift-giving across the state or across the country, customers can select their desired gift items at Sears.com, complete their layaway payments online, and invite family or friends to pick up their gift item from any Sears location nationwide.

“Our customers want to get the most out of every dollar – and every minute,” said Monica Woo, chief marketing officer for Sears. “On Black Friday Sears will offer more doorbuster deals on the best brands, all backed by service and guarantees that matter. Plus by being a Member of our Shop Your Way Rewards program, our customers can earn points on every purchase and save.”

Listening to its customers, who say they don’t want to be forced to shop at midnight to get the best deals, Sears will open its doors on Friday, Nov. 25, at 4 a.m. Sears doorbuster deals(2) will be available from 4 a.m. until 1 p.m. (local time) on Friday, Nov. 25. The hundreds of doorbuster and holiday deals will be available on banner brands such as Craftsman, Kenmore, NordicTrack and Samsung, and exclusive fashion brands that customers love, including the new Kardashian Kollection, Lands’ End, Bongo, UK Style by French Connection and Everlast.

To make Black Friday shopping even more rewarding, Show Your Way Rewards Members will also receive five times the Shop Your Way Rewards points on qualifying purchases, equal to five percent back. The offer is available when customers use a Sears credit card and will run until Jan. 28, 2012. Customers can apply for a Sears card online, at Sears.com, or in their local Sears store; if approved, the offer is instantly available on qualified purchases at both stores.

Beginning on Black Friday, customers will also be able to pick up a Sears Real Deal Coupon Book (while supplies last) for more than $3,000 worth of savings storewide throughout the holiday shopping season. Customers can use the coupons starting on Saturday, Nov. 27 to save on their holiday shopping.

Throughout the holiday season, Sears will also extend business hours at stores nationwide starting on Black Friday (Nov. 25) through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).

• Nov. 24: Closed Thanksgiving Day
• Nov. 25: Early Opening – 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Nov. 26: Extended Hours – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Nov. 27-Dec. 8: Normal hours (Mon-Fri. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Dec. 9: Early Opening – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 10: Extended Hours – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dec. 11: Early Opening – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Dec. 12–15: Extended Hours – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dec. 16–23: Extended Hours – 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Dec. 24: Early Opening/Closing – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Dec. 25: Closed Christmas Day

This year, customers no longer have to wait until Black Friday to save. Circulars for Sears deals are available weeks in advance on searslocalad.com, which provides real deals in real-time from local Sears stores using frequent inventory updates and access to ads 24 hours a day. Plus, shoppers can take advantage of services such as Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store, ship-to-store and free shipping options.

Visit Sears.com for more information and to find a location near you or shop online for the best deals of the holiday season, always available and convenient with optimized Sears.com sites accessible via major mobile devices. For additional media materials and information please visit the Sears holiday electronic press kit, or contact the Sears holiday hotline at (212) 884-1140 to arrange an interview or in-store filming.

About Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,700 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes over 890 Full-line and more than 1,350 specialty stores in the U.S.   Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands’ End — among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. The company is the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at www.sears.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

(1) Available at participating Sears stores; excludes jewelry. Customers drive to the curbside location near Merchandise Pickup. A Sears associate verifies the customer’s email confirmation or credit card, retrieves the purchased item and loads it into the customer’s vehicle. The customer receives their item in five minutes or they get a $5 coupon good for their next in-store purchase.

(2) All doorbuster deals are available while quantities last; no rain checks.

New York, NY  (Profitable.com)  Excitement over unexpected in-store deals has diminished as discounted prices become an anticipated part of the consumer products shopping experience, according to the Deloitte/Harrison Group annual American Pantry Survey.

For nearly one-third (30 percent) of consumers, at least seven of 10 items in their shopping cart is discounted.  Additionally, 80 percent of them say they do their own research and have a pre-determined price point and a potential savings amount in mind before they step into a store. Furthermore, two-thirds (66 percent) of consumers shop when they know products will be on sale.

“Shoppers today expect to get a deal on the products they purchase,” said Pat Conroy, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and consumer products sector leader. “With this mindset it is critical that consumer products companies take measures to enhance brand loyalty by connecting early and often with key audiences in environments outside of the store.”

Smarter, Efficient Shoppers Focus on Consumer Product Purchases

Three-quarters (75 percent) of survey respondents assert that that they are smarter shoppers than they were a year ago, and nearly nine in 10 (86 percent) believe they are getting more precise in what they buy. Additionally, eight in 10 (80 percent) consumers say they have become more efficient at getting in and out of the store in 2011.

“Smarter shoppers know what they want, and how to get it for the best price,” said Conroy. “As they become more efficient – while the consumer products industry increasingly faces a ‘crisis of similar’ – companies looking to thrive must find ways to differentiate themselves from their competition.”

Before Entering the Store, Shoppers Know What They’re Buying

Nine in 10 shoppers know what they’re buying before they arrive at a store, and more than eight in 10 (83 percent) have a set of brands in mind that they will consider. Moreover, eight in 10 (80 percent) shoppers indicate that the recession has caused them to realize what brands they care about and which ones they don’t.

“Companies should have a conversation with shoppers prior to the time of purchase,” said Conroy. “With the proliferation of online shopping, smartphones and social networking, it’s vital that consumer product companies consider the use of highly targeted pre-store shopper engagement programs, which could include constant communication through new technology mediums.”

Private Label and Store Brands Increasingly “Been There, Done That” for Shoppers

Nearly one-half (49 percent) of shoppers say they are no longer interested in trying private labels or store brands. Furthermore, nine in 10 (90 percent) shoppers assert that they have already figured out which store brands and private labels work for their families – and which ones do not – while nearly the same amount (88 percent) of consumers claim they have established which store brands and private labels are good, and which ones are not.

About the Survey

The 2011 American Pantry Study was conducted by Deloitte and Harrison Group. The survey polled 4,086 household shoppers and food preparers in the U.S. from October 6 to October 21, 2011 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percentage points.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

About Harrison Group

Harrison Group is a leading market research and strategy consulting firm headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut. Along with expertise in consumer packaged goods, Harrison Group specializes in the wealth and affluent markets, and the media, financial management and interactive entertainment markets. The firm’s cornerstone is providing sophisticated market strategy, market analytics and survey and forecasting services. www.harrisongroupinc.com.

Affordable Kitchen Gadgets for the Holidays

(Profitable.com) Today’s kitchens are so much different than the kitchens of yesterday. Creating those perfect home cooked meals used to take hours of tedious prep work and that was just the prep work. Cooks would still have to cook the food and serve it up to their hungry guests. All of this hard work prevented many people from enjoying great home cooked meals. Today things are much different. There is an entire world of small kitchen appliances that make cooking just about anything that people could ever desire as simple as pie. Let’s not forget those tasty beverages that at one time could only be purchased at a specialty shop. Today’s small kitchen appliances turn your entire kitchen into a restaurant, and they put everything on the menu.

Home kitchen cooks can bake fresh bread with a programmable breadmaker that does all of the hard work. Cooks will be able to turn up the energy level with home brewed coffee, or they can even take things up a notch with a hot tasty Espresso. Toaster ovens, blenders, mixers, crock pots, waffle irons, and more, have all become tools for the modern home chef. The question is not, “What’s for dinner?” It is now “What’s not for dinner?” with all of these great kitchen appliances.

KitchenStarters.com opens up this whole new small appliance world to the home chef by offering the best selection and prices on any of these space saving small kitchen appliances. Cooks will enjoy reading the detailed product descriptions and product specifications for each and every kitchen appliance. Many cooks find inspiration for new food ideas that they never thought would be possible at home. These small kitchen appliances are not just for cooks either. They make excellent gifts for anyone that loves to create in the kitchen. Visit KitchenStarters.com today and find out what others are saying about these great kitchen gadgets.

Wayne, NJ  (Profitable.com)  Toys”R”Us® has announced that its stores nationwide will open their doors at 9pm on Thanksgiving night to welcome Black Friday shoppers as they kick off the holiday shopping season.*  Customers eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Toys”R”Us Thanksgiving weekend circular on November 24, which is filled with more than $12,500 in savings, including doorbusters, Thursday through Saturday discounts and free gift-with-purchase offers, can receive a sneak preview by visiting the Toys”R”Us Facebook page, Facebook.com/Toysrus. Toys”R”Us Facebook fans will also have the opportunity to win a red carpet, private shopping experience at their local store before the Black Friday crowd enters.

The 28-page Toys”R”Us Thanksgiving weekend circular will appear in newspapers across the country and online at Toysrus.com on Thursday, November 24, offering nearly 300 deals. In addition, current and new Rewards”R”Us® members can earn 10 percent back on purchases made in-store and online.** New for this holiday season, Rewards”R”Us members can also earn a 2012 Super Savers Pass when they spend $200 or more through Saturday, December 24, through which they’ll receive more than $100 in savings, including exclusive coupons sent via e-mail each month in 2012.

“We know our customers like to get an early start on their Black Friday shopping, so we’re offering more savings than ever and providing even more hours to save by opening our stores at 9pm on Thanksgiving night,” said Greg Ahearn, Chief Marketing Officer, Toys”R”Us, U.S. ”Black Friday is truly the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and we’re excited to welcome customers at Toys”R”Us stores across the country for what has become an annual tradition for many families after Thanksgiving dinner is finished.”

The Season of Savings Begins with Hot Doorbusters: 9pm Thanksgiving Night

As soon as the turkey is gobbled and the dinner table is cleared, family, friends and eager shoppers can get a jump start on fulfilling holiday wish lists at Toys”R”Us by scanning their newspaper circulars for Black Friday deals. With Toys”R”Us stores opening at 9pm on Thanksgiving evening, savvy savers have even more hours to shop for Black Friday values – in fact, 26 hours straight, as the doors of Toys”R”Us stores will not close until 11pm on Friday, November 25. Consumers can also take advantage of these same deals and discounts at Toysrus.com beginning Thursday, November 24 at 9pm.

Following are examples of select doorbusters available at Toys”R”Us stores beginning Thursday, November 24 at 9pm through Friday, November 25 at 1pm, while supplies last:

Free $50 Toys”R”Us Gift Card with purchase of any Apple® iPod® touch (Available on in-store purchases only; Limit one per guest; Valid 6 hours after activation and expires 1/28/12)

SAVE $120 on POWER WHEELS Boss or Barbie 12-Volt Ford Mustang Ride-Ons – Was: $319.99 each; Now: $199.99 each

50% OFF LeapFrog Leapster® 2 – Was: $49.99; Now: $24.99

50% OFF My Baby Alive – Was: $44.99; Now: $22.49

50% OFF Riptunes 2GB MP3 Player with Video – Was: $29.99; Now: $14.99

50% OFF Sylvania 7-inch Android Tablet or 7-inch Android Netbook – Was: $149.99 each; Now: $74.99 each

40% OFF ALL LeapFrog Leapster® Software – prices vary

40% OFF TRANSFORMERS Dark of the Moon Ultimate Optimus Prime – Was: $79.99; Now: $47.99

35% OFF Select LEGO® Construction Sets – prices vary

BUY 10 for $10 on ALL Squinkies™ 2-Packs (Must purchase 10 to receive the deal; Originally $2.49 each)

BUY 2 GET 3rd FREE on Beyblade Metal Fusion Battle Tops – prices vary

$10 Special Value Pack of Babies”R”Us® Diapers (48 – 96 ct) – Over $50 value (Includes $38 in coupon savings; Limit 4 per guest; Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us)

Toysrus.com and Facebook.com/Toysrus will also preview more than 40 “Mystery Deals” on Tuesday, November 22 at 12:01am. These secret savings will be available in Toys”R”Us stores from 9pm on Thanksgiving night until 1pm on Friday afternoon, but customers can only find out about them by visiting these sites in advance.

Earlier Risers Still Have Time to Snap Up Savings: 5am – 1pm on Friday, November 25

Those who prefer to sleep off their turkey dinner before heading to stores will still have the opportunity to take advantage of incredible savings at Toys”R”Us, with nearly 50 new doorbuster deals available on Friday, November 25 from 5am – 1pm during the 26-hour sale, while supplies last. Following are examples of these doorbusters:

FREE $19.99 Imaginarium Starter Kit with ANY Imaginarium® or Crayola® Easel priced $19.99 or more (Limit one per guest)

SAVE $20 on Crayola® Digital Camcorder and Camera (sold separately) – Was: $49.99 each; Now: $29.99 each

SAVE $30 on Toys”R”Us-Exclusive Disney Princess Royal Talking Kitchen – Was: $69.99; Now: $39.99

50% OFF Tonka® Bounce Back Racer – Was: $29.99; Now: $14.99

50% OFF LeapFrog Alphabet Pal – Was: $19.99; Now: $9.99

50% OFF Serta® Master Sleeper Crib and Toddler Mattress (Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us) – Was: $179.99; Now: $89.99

50% OFF Select Shermag Glider and Ottoman Combos or Newco Upholstered Recliners (Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us) – prices vary

40% OFF Select LEGO Construction Sets – prices vary

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE on ALL Earth’s Best Variety or Pantry Packs (Limit two per guest; Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us) – prices vary

Marathon Shoppers Can Take Advantage of the Thursday through Saturday Sale

Customers can take advantage of deals and discounts on nearly 200 additional items at Toys”R”Us stores nationwide, from Thursday at opening until Saturday closing.  Following are highlights of the deals and discounts available at Toys”R”Us stores from Thursday, November 24 at 9pm through Saturday, November 26 at 11pm, while supplies last:

BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF ALL Trash Pack® purchases – prices vary

BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF ALL Moshi Monsters™ purchases – prices vary

FREE $10 Toys”R”Us Gift Card and $100 Savings with ANY Xbox 360 console purchase

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE on ALL Toys”R”Us® Battery Pack purchases – prices vary

BUY 1 GET 1 for $5 on Select Xbox® 360, PS3 and Wii® video game purchases between $29.99 and $59.99

50% OFF Fisher Price® Medical Kits – Was: $14.99 each; Now: $6.99 each

50% OFF Crayola® Super Art Kits – Was: $19.99 each; Now: $9.99 each

50% OFF ALL Carter’s® Clothing and Sleepwear (Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us) – prices vary

50% OFF ALL Disney® NFL Pillows and Blankets (Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us) – prices vary

20% OFF Air Swimmers® eXtreme from Animal Planet™ – Was $49.99; Now: $39.99

FREE Pampers Value Box of Wipes (384ct or less) with ANY purchase of a Pampers Value Box of Diapers (88ct or more) (Available at Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us)

Toys”R”Us Facebook Fans Can Enter Black Friday Red Carpet Sweepstakes

Now through November 17 at 11:59pm EST, new and current fans of the company’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/Toysrus, can enter an exclusive sweepstakes for the chance to win a Toys”R”Us Grand Prize Black Friday Shopping Event. One winner will receive limo service and red carpet entry to their local Toys”R”Us store on Thanksgiving evening at 8pm – one hour before the store officially opens for Black Friday shopping. This winner will also receive a $1,000 Toys”R”Us gift card and a personal shopper to assist them in selecting the perfect gifts for the kids on their list.***

One hundred second prize winners will receive a $100 Toys”R”Us gift card that they can use on Black Friday. All winners will be notified by email at least one week prior to Thanksgiving. After visiting Facebook.com/Toysrus to enter, social savvy customers are encouraged to let their friends and family know about this exciting shopping opportunity simply by clicking the “Share” button and posting it to their Facebook Wall.

Holiday Survival Coupon Book for First 100 Black Friday Customers at Each Store

This Black Friday, the first 100 customers to line up at their local Toys”R”Us store will receive a 48-page coupon booklet valued at more than $500 in savings, helping customers to stretch their dollars while dining out, catching a movie, going clothes shopping or booking a family cruise. In addition to the offers in the booklet, customers will gain access to the SaversGuide® website for 60 days, where they can enter their ZIP code to discover even more great deals at their favorite restaurants, attractions and destinations. Coupons retrieved online must be printed to redeem the offers.

*Toys”R”Us stores nationwide will open at 9pm on Thursday, November 24, except for stores in Paramus, NJ, which will open on Friday, November 25 at 7am, and select stores in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island  and Puerto Rico, which will have varying store open times. In general, these hours do not apply to Toys”R”Us Express or Outlet locations, which will follow the hours of their respective shopping centers. All store hours can be found online at www.Toysrus.com/BlackFridayStoreHours.

**Excludes purchases of gift cards, shipping and handling charges, and reward eligible greeting cards, formula, diapers and LeapFrog products. See a store employee or Toysrus.com/Rewards for maximum rewards and complete details. Customers who spend $500 or more will earn the maximum reward of $50 in “R”Us Dollars.

***If the grand prize winner is not within a 100 (one hundred) mile radius of a Toys”R”Us store location, Toys”R”Us reserves the right to substitute the shopping spree with a gift card of comparable or greater value.

About Toys”R”Us, Inc.

Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 873 Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 600 international stores and over 140 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys”R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys”R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO, and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

Hoffman Estates, IL  (Profitable.com)  Kmart announces Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday doorbusters with deals on a wide range of products, with everything from home electronics and appliances, clothing, toys, tools and much more. As the go-to holiday-shopping destination, Kmart stores nationwide will open early on Black Friday, in addition to opening on Thanksgiving Day, in most cities, so that shoppers can beat the rush and get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping.

“This holiday season, Kmart is offering customers spectacular deals on Black Friday, as well as special hours on Thanksgiving to give them the chance to take advantage of the offers early,” said Andrew Stein, vice president, Marketing Planning at Sears Holdings. “We have made a promise to our shoppers to provide the best deals on the items they want and need, and during the holidays, we double efforts to keep that promise by marking down popular products in every department.”

For the 20th consecutive year, Kmart will open its doors on Thanksgiving Day in response to customer desire to have a place to pick up last-minute or forgotten items for family meals, and to start holiday shopping early. During the holiday season, customers can take advantage of deep discounts on quality products throughout each Kmart store to ensure that families’ holidays are bright and joyful this year. Kmart customers can also find exclusive product lines, such as Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, Sofia by Sofia Vergara, Jaclyn Smith, Country Living, Smart Sense, Rebecca Bonbon and Bongo.

A sample of Kmart Thanksgiving Day deals for Thursday, Nov. 24, include:

• Save $150 on Panasonic 42″ plasma HDTV for $399.99 (Reg. $549.99) – Lowest price ever!
• Save 70 percent on fine jewelry, plus save an extra 10 percent off all Red Tag jewelry
• Buy one, get one free Little Tikes infants’ and preschool toys
• Save 50 percent on a variety of hot toys
• Buy one board game, get one at 50 percent off
• Up to 40% off bedding and bath
• Save 50 percent on family outerwear, cold weather accessories and footwear
• Save 50 percent on assorted Christmas trees, decorations and holiday decor
• Small kitchen appliances as low as $4.99 (Reg. $9.49)

A sample of Kmart Black Friday deals for Friday, Nov. 25, include: (Note, 5-11 am door busters)

• PlayStation 3 2011 Holiday Bundle (includes 160GB entertainment system, Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One PS3 game and Little Big Planet 2 Special Edition PS3 game) for $199.99 (Reg. $219.99)
• Save $30 on Velocity Cruz R102 eReader for $69.99 (Reg. $99.99)
• Save $30 on Trim A Home 6-foot Blue Mountain tree for $19.99 (Reg. $49.99)
• Save $110 on 7-foot Auburn billiard table with BONUS table-tennis top for $189.99 (Reg. 299.99) – Lowest price of the season!
• Save 50 percent on family outerwear
• Save 70 percent on all fine jewelry, plus save an extra 10 percent on all Red Tag jewelry
• Save $50 on Craftsman 21inch123cc single-stage snow thrower for $299.99 (Reg. $349.99)
• Get a GE 12MP camera (a $59.99 value) with purchase of GE X500 for $149.99
• Save $50 on Panasonic 5.1-channel 330-watt DVD home theater system for $99.99 (Reg. $149.99)
• Save $50 on Garmin 40LM for $99.99 (Reg. $149.99)
• Save 10 percent on all major appliances

To make holiday shopping even more rewarding, Kmart will provide Shop Your Way Rewards members with two times the points on qualifying purchases, equal to two percent back, throughout November. Additionally, for Sears credit card holders, Kmart is offering five times the Shop Your Way Rewards points on qualifying purchases, equal to five percent back.

Extended Holiday Shopping Hours

In keeping with Kmart’s distinct 20-year tradition, it will open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) in most markets on Thanksgiving Day. On Black Friday, Nov. 25, Kmart stores nationwide will open at 5 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. (local time). Kmart will also offer extended business hours at stores nationwide through Christmas Eve on Saturday, Dec. 24.

Kmart Holiday Store Hours:

• Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 (in most markets): 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 25: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 26: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 27: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Nov. 28 through Dec. 3: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dec. 4 through 10: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Dec. 11 through 23: 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Dec. 24: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dec. 25: Closed

Customers will be able to maximize their savings this holiday, with Kmart’s layaway program. Customers can reserve their holiday purchases now, pay over time and pick up items just in time for gift giving. The layaway program allows customers to select their items and make biweekly payments over an eight- or 12-week period. Making the online layaway process even easier, Kmart.com recently introduced a new option called Shop Here, Pick Up There. Items can be selected online, placed on layaway and then conveniently picked up at any local Kmart store.

But customers do not have to wait until Black Friday to save. Circulars for future weeks are available now on kmartlocalad.com, which provides real deals in real-time from local Kmart stores using up-to-the-minute inventory updates and access to ads 24 hours a day.

Visit Kmart.com for more information and to find a location near you or shop online for the best deals of the holiday season. For additional media materials and information please visit the Kmart holiday electronic press kit at http://kmartepk.com/, or contact the Sears and Kmart holiday hotline at (212) 884-1140 to arrange an interview or in-store filming.

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that includes Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, County Living, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information visit the company’s website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

Dubai, UAE  (Profitable.com)  NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, has been selected by Ford Motor Company to be their exclusive map supplier for the Sync MyFord Touch.  The agreement positions NAVTEQ as the map data provider for the SYNC with MyFord Touch SD-card based navigation system in North America, South America, Middle East, Russia and Europe.  NAVTEQ® maps powers more than 24 million in-vehicle navigation systems worldwide.

MyFord Touch featuring NAVTEQ map data is scheduled to launch on multiple 2013 Ford and Lincoln vehicles in North Americaearly next year with expanded features such as NAVTEQ Voice, Speed Limit information, Enhanced Junction View Content, 3D Landmarks, and NAVTEQ Traffic Patterns™.  The North American launch will be followed by the systems launch in South America, Europe, Russia and the Middle East. The available navigation system will also be equipped with some of NAVTEQ’s state of the art content specific to each respective region.

The NAVTEQ map is collected and built using a comprehensive step-by-step process. At every stage, there is a central focus on creating accurate and precise data.  NAVTEQ’s primary goal throughout the collection process is to capture data as it exists in the real world.  Equipped with specialized tools, NAVTEQ’s Digital Mapping Operations team collects and verifies street geometry and up to 260 attributes such as one-way streets, turning lanes, speed limits and information pertaining to points-of-interest.

“NAVTEQ’s comprehensive automotive grade quality and the consistency of our global specification enables consumers to get the best route through their MyFord Touch navigation system” said Jeff Mize, Senior Vice President, Sales & Business Development, NAVTEQ.  “Providing superior location data combined with exceptional support is an invaluable competitive advantage we provide to our customers.”

In order to maintain map data of the highest automotive quality grade, NAVTEQ’s mission is to keep up with changes in the real world.  NAVTEQ has proven that driving the roads is a key differentiator that provides the highest quality database.  NAVTEQ’s geographic analysts drive millions of miles annually in order to capture and validate the road network and location-based content as it exists in the real world.  Operating from 200 offices in 54 countries throughout the world, NAVTEQ’s team of geographic analysts has the local knowledge needed to provide superior accuracy of our maps. Because the road network and content are constantly changing, local presence is critical to change detection and verification-two essential factors in maintaining NAVTEQ’s stringent automotive grade quality standards.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of location content in the form of maps, traffic and places data that enables navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world.  NAVTEQ supplies precise, comprehensive location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions.  The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 5,800 employees located in 200 offices in 54 countries.

For more information on NAVTEQ, please visit http://corporate.navteq.com. This NAVTEQ press release and other news is available at http://press.navteq.com. Join NAVTEQ on Facebook at facebook.com/NAVTEQCompany and Twitter at @NAVTEQ.

NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Traffic Patterns are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

Merrimack, NH  (Profitable.com)  The results are in, and the gift experts at Brookstone have announced four hot buying trends this Holiday season. The product development company and specialty retailer is seeing a strong attraction to four key product categories, ranging from app control and iPad tablets to massage and merry-making.

“We’re seeing a continuation of the home entertaining trend and have several winning products sure to be the hit of the party,” said Brookstone CEO Ron Boire. “With 300 gifts under fifty dollars and hundreds more on Brookstone.com, shoppers are sure to find clever gifts for everyone on their list for a great value at Brookstone.”

Holiday Gift Trends at Brookstone for 2011

Total App-Control

App-controlled vehicles have achieved techno-nirvana by successfully combining the live-action toys with streaming video and night vision. Here’s the rundown on this year’s best app gifts.

Rover Wireless Spy Tank

It’s the video-streaming, night-vision wireless tank that’s taking over holiday wish lists across the nation. Drives by iPod touch®, iPhone® or iPad® device using free downloadable app. For ages 14 and up. $149.99

Parrot® AR.Drone™ Quadricopter

Built-in Wi-Fi connection, accelerometer and gyroscopes let pilots fly it using an iPod touch, iPhone, iPad® or Android™ device using free downloadable app. Built-in video cameras let the pilot view the flight from the AR.Drone’s perspective. For ages 14 and up. $299.99

Wi-Fi Racer

Ready, set… GO! This app-controlled 1/10-scale racecar generates its own Wi-Fi. Drivers can steer the racer using the accelerometer on their iPod touch, iPhone, iPad or Android devices. Beginner, advanced and expert driving modes keep things interesting. For ages 14 and up. $99.99

Tankbots

Tankbots are mini vehicles that can be driven via Apple iOS or Android™ devices. Infrared obstacle detection and an autonomous personality mode to explore terrain and navigate through mazes, and even duel each other. Available in multiple colors. For ages 8 and up. $29.99 each

Soulo™ Karaoke—Wireless Microphone with Pitch Control

Soulo takes the music in any iPad, iPod touch or iPhone device, strips out the vocal, and then lets anyone be the star of the show. Soulo streams lyrics onto the screen and uses real-time pitch enhancement to keep less-than-professional singers in tune. $99.99

Hot Gifts for iPad Lovers

More iPad users in the world means more people trying to personalize and accessorize. Brookstone is the gift destination for the tablet lover on everyone’s list.

Bluetooth® Keyboard Portfolio  

Foldover portfolio has a built-in Bluetooth® wireless keyboard that lets iPad users type with wild abandon. In cool new colors.$99.99

Brookstone® Boombox    

Lose the cassettes not the swagger. This portable stereo lets people “share” music with everyone on the block… just by docking their iPad tablet. $129.99

Hot for the Host

Brookstone is happy to announce that the party is back with a vengeance. Here’s what’s coming to parties this year.

Automatic Wine Opener with Built-in Foil Cutter

Corks (and foils) have met their match. Thirsty guests will be impressed by how quickly this opener lets them get to their wine. It’s placed over the bottle, a twist removes the wine foil, and then a push of the button removes the cork. Cordless and rechargeable. $49.99

Vinturi® Wine Aerator

Guests may think the wine is more expensive than it really is. This handheld device instantly “breathes” wine as each glass is poured, enhancing flavor and bouquet. Available for red or white wines and for liquors. From $39.99

Obol®, the Never-Soggy Cereal Bowl

If adult beverages aren’t the main attraction at the party, Obol® makes a great conversation-starting gift for your hosts (or their kids). This very modern-looking bowl has two sections—an upper area for cereal (or holiday cookies), and a lower reservoir for milk. One swoops a scoop of cereal onto a spoon, then swoops into the milk for the perfect crispy bite every time. Also great for soup and crackers or chips and salsa. $19.99

Feel-Good Gifts

Feel-good gifts like massagers, slippers and memory foam pillows are always popular during the holiday season.

Brookstone® Body Bean

It’s a high-tech update on the beloved hot water bottle that’s cordless and rechargeable. It’s great for soothing aches and pains, tired muscles, and for just keeping warm on a chilly day. $34.99

3-in-1 Heated Wrap—with Body Bean

Pairs a cordless Body Bean with versatile body wrap that holds the Bean against the lower back, neck and shoulders, or anywhere else soothing warmth is needed. $49.99

Active Sport Handheld Massager

Brookstone is finding that athletes and other active people are using handheld massagers to soothe and loosen up muscles before and after workouts. The Active Sport Massager packs plenty of massaging horsepower and has 3 interchangeable massage heads that let users target specific areas or enjoy all-over relief. $69.99

Tempur-Pedic® Comfort-Step Slippers

Revolutionary Tempur-Pedic® slippers deliver maximum comfort with a pressure-relieving breathable material, while the durable hard sole is ideal for around the house and quick trips out to the mailbox. “The best slippers I’ve ever owned … I would never think about wearing another type of slipper now.” - Susie, Brookstone Customer Review $49.99

Brookstone, Inc., is an innovative product development company and specialty retailer of unique gifts. Brookstone operates 300 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates a Direct Marketing business that includes the Brookstone catalog and an e-commerce website at Brookstone.com. Fans of the Company are encouraged to Like Brookstone on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Product prices and availability subject to change without notice.

Contact:
Kristina Lynch
Tara Ink
+1-305-864-3434 ext 153
kristina@taraink.com

Cincinnati, OH  (Profitable.com)  From a highly-competitive pool of over 80 applicants, Tide Dry Cleaners® has been selected by The Hub Magazine as the Ultimate Hub Prize Winner in the 2011 Hub Prize competition, and recipient of the coveted Hub Cup trophy. The inaugural edition of the Hub Prize competition celebrates best-in-class excellence and innovation in the retail experience and environment.

Tide Dry Cleaners® is an innovative expansion to the iconic Tide brand, leveraging the brand’s 65-year heritage in cleaning to delight consumers with a greater level of service and performance in dry cleaning.  Tide Dry Cleaners currently operates in six retail locations in Kansas City and Greater Cincinnati, with many additional outlets currently under development across the United States through a network of individual franchisees and entrepreneurs.

“We are both honored and humbled to be awarded the 2011 Ultimate Hub Prize,” says Aaron Eisel, Director of Marketing, Tide Dry Cleaners. “We feel very strongly about this business and the impact we can deliver for our customers, and are thrilled to see such positive recognition from The Hub Magazine, its subscribers, and its highly-distinguished and experienced panel of judges.”

The Hub Magazine is a business and marketing publication (online and print) that showcases innovation and breakthrough ideas, and the people behind them, in retail and shopper marketing.  The publication is targeted at the top marketers in America’s largest companies, and in the six short years since it was launched, it has secured a strong and loyal customer and subscriber base.

The Hub Prize Competition emerged as a natural extension of The Hub Magazine’s focus and dialogue, celebrating the many ways that retailers, brand marketers, agencies, design firms, technology companies, research firms, consultants and others make the retail experience excellent for customers, both online and in-store.  The judging for the competition is conducted by a panel of 25 independent experts and thought leaders from corporations, academia, and marketing/ad agencies.  Competitors were graded on criteria including: innovation; the shopper insight and emotional connection; how much the initiative improved the retail experience; and business results achieved.

As the top winner in the competition, Tide Dry Cleaners has now been highlighted and showcased on the Hub website at: http://www.hubmagazine.com, in addition to being prominently-featured in a special supplement to the November print and online issues of The Hub Magazine, along with 35 other Gold, Silver and Bronze winners.

The Tide Dry Cleaners business model is a natural extension to the Tide brand, following extensive P&G research and interaction with dry cleaning customers that confirmed that they were not satisfied with their current dry cleaning experience, often citing poor customer service, inconsistent cleaning performance and unsatisfactory clothing appearance as outages. Tide Dry Cleaners has responded to this consumer feedback by setting a new standard in dry cleaning.  Each location offers convenient, 24-hour access, a clear pricing structure, and many locations can also include drive-thru valet service.

Tide Dry Cleaners also brings industry-leading innovation and breakthrough cleaning technology to its customers. Through its partnership with GreenEarth®, and utilization of other P&G fabric care cleaning solutions for wet and dry cleaning, Tide Dry Cleaners is able to deliver amazing cleaning for a wide range of garments and textiles.

“Our close relationship with consumers and our focus on consumer-driven innovation has allowed us to better-understand the needs of the dry cleaning customer,” says Eisel. “We’re proud to offer a new dry cleaning experience to our customers, and we look forward to bringing Tide Dry Cleaners to more people throughout the country in the near future.”

Tide Dry Cleaners Cleaning Benefits:

• Tide Back-to-Black™: Helps get even more life and wear from all-black cotton garments with an infusion of color.
• Tide ColorGuard™: Helps keep colors where they belong – in your clothes.
• Tide SpotLift™: Stain removal technology for a deep down fiber clean.
• Tide FreshScent™: Finally, dry cleaning with a crisp and clean scent.
• Tide Restore™ for Colors: Helps bring faded colors back to life.
• Tide Restore™ for Whites: Helps whites stay bright.

Rising Tide®

Tide Dry Cleaners is actively seeking passionate entrepreneurs for franchising opportunities across the United States.  For more information on these opportunities, or to learn more about the innovative Tide Dry Cleaners business, please visithttp://www.tidedrycleaners.com.

About Tide®

For 65 years, Tide has been caring for the clothes of American families and helping to provide the everyday miracle of clean clothing. Please visit http://www.tide.com for helpful product information, practical tips on laundry care, special offers and promotions, updated fabric care articles, and an interactive Stain Detective, which provides official Tide stain removal solutions.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G touches and improves the lives of about 4.4 billion people around the world with its portfolio of trusted, quality brands. The Company’s leadership brands include Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, and Ambi Pur®. With operations in about 80 countries, P&G brands are available in more than 180 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

About P&G FutureWorks

P&G FutureWorks is the “Entrepreneurial Engine” for Procter & Gamble.  As an important and integrated Corporate New Business Incubation Unit within P&G, we have responsibility and resources to create and operate businesses, from idea to scale-up, which involve new categories, new business models, or new capabilities for our Company. By connecting with best-in-class innovators and external partners, our scope has expanded beyond P&G’s strategic core businesses into new channels and domains.  Franchising is one of those key domains, resulting in the successful launch of both Tide Dry Cleaners® and Mr. Clean Car Wash® through Agile Pursuits Franchising, Inc. (APFI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Procter & Gamble Company.  For more information on P&G FutureWorks and our current focus areas, please visit our newly-launched website at http://futureworks.pg.com.

About GreenEarth® Cleaning

GreenEarth was founded in 1999 by three experienced dry cleaners, Jim Barry, Ron Benjamin and Jim Douglas. GreenEarth technology is licensed by more than 1300 dry cleaners worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.greenearthcleaning.com.

(Profitable.com)  Tooth Soap® Liquid has been a steady seller in the market for years but there has been growing customer demand for a Tooth Soap® Liqui-Gel formulation, says Karen Van Cleef, founder and CEO of Tooth Soap, Inc. “For years I wanted a thicker liquid but we weren’t able to perfect it. Finally, we were able to create a thick gel with the desired consistency that I have been dreaming about.”

Tooth Soap® has four different types available to customers with several flavors, but this gel is unique as it offers greater value to the customer. “Tooth Soap® Liqui-Gel is twice as thick as our regular Tooth Soap® Liquid, and is more concentrated so you need less. We expect Tooth Soap® Liqui-Gel will last twice as long as Tooth Soap® Liquid or Tooth Soap® Gel. If the bottle spills, the thicker Liqui-Gel will not pour out, thus saving product,” states Van Cleef.

Tooth Soap® Liqui-Gel is packed a brown amber glass bottle to protect the delicate essential oils and maintain the integrity of the product. “I chose glass this time because some Tooth Soap® customers prefer glass over plastic, even a plastic that is BPA-free,” says Van Cleef.

“Regardless of a person’s preference, Tooth Soap® Liqui-Gel, along with Tooth Soap® Liquid, Tooth Soap® Whip, Tooth Soap® Gel and Tooth Soap® shreds, continue to provide consumers with an all natural, organic alternative to toothpaste,” says Van Cleef. “Slowly but surely, the understanding that toothpaste is not the optimal way to brush your teeth and gums is growing!”

About Tooth Soap, Inc.

Tooth Soap, Inc. is an emerging specialty oral care products company focused on the development of a portfolio of natural and non-toxic oral care products for consumers. For further information about Tooth Soap, Inc., please visit our website at http://www.ToothSoap.com

Menomonee Falls, WI  (Profitable.com)  Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) has announced its 2011 integrated holiday campaign, which emphasizes unprecedented value to all customers this holiday. With more unbeatable savings opportunities than ever before, more days and ways to shop and share the best offers of the season, combined with industry-leading policies, Kohl’s is the smartest choice for savvy shoppers. New this year, Kohl’s will be open for 24 hours on Friday, Nov. 25 – from 12 a.m. to midnight – making Kohl’s the smartest choice for shoppers who love to give great gifts at the best value. The marketing campaign showcases all the reasons shoppers will choose Kohl’s first this holiday for savings on quality, stylish brands and gifts for everyone on the list. “Love to Give, Happy to Save” will be communicated across multiple mediums, including print advertising, direct mail, email, digital and social media, Kohls.com, mobile, television, radio and in-store marketing.

“The state of the economy will definitely affect how consumers plan and shop this holiday,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We understand they feel pressure to find the best gifts at an incredible value, and that’s what we will deliver. From opening our stores at 12 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving – our earliest opening ever – to offering deeper savings opportunities throughout the holidays, we are making shopping easy and even more convenient this holiday season. We are confident that by providing more unbeatable savings, a great shopping experience and industry-leading policies, including our hassle-free return policy and no brand exclusions when using offers like Kohl’s Cash or Kohl’s Charge card discounts, that consumers will choose Kohl’s first. We believe that our collective approach serves as an important point of differentiation and positions us well this holiday season.”

Kohl’s Happy Thanksaving Days Sales Event – Friday, Nov. 25, 12 a.m. to Midnight – Open 24 hours

Kohl’s will open its doors nationwide at 12 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 – the earliest opening in company history. Stores will be open for 24 straight hours from 12 a.m. until midnight, offering shoppers additional hours to gain incredible savings on the items they want this season. Online shoppers can start saving even earlier with all Early Bird specials available on Kohls.com on Thanksgiving Day. As the smartest shopping destination for the holidays, Kohl’s makes it easy to get incredible values on great gifts online and in store.

National Marketing Campaign – “Love to Give, Happy to Save”

“Kohl’s holiday marketing campaign, ‘Love to Give, Happy to Save,’ focuses on planning, shopping and sharing in the excitement of the holiday season,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “This year, we’ve significantly increased our marketing spend in key areas including broadcast, direct mail, digital and mobile to effectively reach busy, budget-conscious shoppers. We know our shoppers want to give generously this season, and we want to help them fulfill their holiday wishes. Whether in store – or in store at the Kohl’s Kiosks where all items ship for free, online – shopping the expanded selection at Kohls.com – or on-the-go, Kohl’s is the holiday destination for special gifts, wardrobe essentials and inspiring items for the home.”

From our stores to our website to mobile devices, Kohl’s marketing campaign will communicate more unbeatable savings opportunities throughout the season in addition to the industry-leading policies and customer conveniences which include:

Unbeatable Savings Opportunities

• Kohl’s Cash^® – During Kohl’s Cash promotions, all shoppers get $10 Kohl’s Cash back for every $50 spent (in store or online) that can be used toward future purchases in store or on Kohls.com – good on all brands and sale prices. It’s like getting paid to shop! This year, shoppers will have an additional day to earn and three additional days to redeem Kohl’s Cash compared to last year.
• Power Hours and Early Birds – During special hours, Kohl’s offers the lowest prices of the week on select items or categories.
• Kohl’s Charge – Kohl’s Charge customers receive a number of exclusive benefits. In addition to getting extra savings on their first purchase, shoppers also receive Pick-Your-Day shopping passes and special event discounts throughout the year.
• Only-at-Kohl’s Brands – Kohl’s powerful brand portfolio includes quality private and exclusive brands at exceptional values such as Simply Vera Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez Collection, Marc Anthony Collection, LC Lauren Conrad, Food Network, Bobby Flay, ELLE Contemporary Collection, ELLE DECOR, Dana Buchman, Candie’s, Mudd, Tony Hawk, Apt. 9, Chaps, Jumping Beans and SONOMA life + style.
• Shoppers 60+ – Every Wednesday, Kohl’s shoppers age 60 and better will save an extra 15 percent on in-store purchases at Kohl’s stores nationwide.

Industry-Leading Policies

• An Industry-Leading, Hassle-Free Return Policy – Kohl’s industry-leading return policy gives customers a quick, convenient and “no questions asked” experience. Customers returning merchandise with receipts or items purchased with Kohl’s Charge cards are eligible to receive full refunds or even exchanges, while customers without a receipt will receive a Kohl’s merchandise credit.
• No Exclusions – There are no brand exclusions when using offers like Kohl’s Cash or Kohl’s Charge card discounts.

Customer Conveniences

• Kohls.com – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, shoppers have access to the exciting merchandise, expanded assortment of tens of thousands of online exclusives, tremendous values and conveniences available on Kohls.com, including functionality for customer reviews and ratings, online earn and redemption of Kohl’s Cash and new this year, navigation features to showcase “What’s New,” “Best Sellers” and “Customers’ Top Rated.”
  • Kohls.com Mobile – Sales alerts and holiday offers will help smart phone shoppers stay in-the-know about Kohl’s promotions throughout the season. This year, a newly enhanced mobile application allows users to view and search circulars, use QR code and in-store bar code functionality, manage Kohls.com accounts, shop online and more.
  • List Builder Tool – For the holidays, Kohl’s popular list builder tool will once again be available in the days leading up to Thanksgiving on Kohls.com to help resourceful shoppers preview hundreds of special Early Bird offers and create customized lists for their in-store visits.
• Extended Store Shopping Hours – Kohl’s stores open early and close late so shoppers can take advantage of great in-store savings when it’s most convenient.
• Kohl’s Kiosk – Buy, Save and Ship it for Free – Kohl’s Kiosks located in all stores make it easy to shop with confidence. Customers can choose from an expanded assortment of styles, sizes, colors and merchandise that may not be available in stores. In addition, Kohl’s offers free standard shipping in the U.S. on items ordered from in-store kiosks.

Kohl’s Charge Card and Direct Mail

As in recent years, Kohl’s is significantly increasing its investment and distribution in direct mail. In November and December, Kohl’s Charge card and non-Kohl’s Charge card customers will enjoy more ways to save than last year, including more Customer Appreciation Shopping Passes and Buy More Save More opportunities. Kohl’s Charge card shoppers can get even more savings on the day of their choice with Pick-Your-Day shopping passes.

Delivering convenient gifting solutions to shoppers, Kohl’s will once again distribute a bundled holiday gift guide and jewelry mailer to select Kohl’s Charge card holders, including additional ways to save. Also, in mid-December, just in time for “last-minute” shoppers, Kohl’s will distribute an additional gift guide with more than 32 pages of great gift ideas including more jewelry and watches and a large selection of national, private and exclusive brands.

Email Alerts

Customers choosing to receive Kohl’s email alerts will be sent relevant updates on Kohl’s brands and savings opportunities. This year we are increasing the number of emails that we send to customers. Emails will begin the second week of November and will highlight incredible offers on stylish, quality gifts for individuals, families and the home. To ensure savvy shoppers have access to convenient tools and gifting solutions as they research and plan their purchases, Kohl’s will send emails tailored to customer needs, lifestyle and geographic location. Emails will also connect customers directly to online experiences including Kohl’s online Gift Shop, Style Shop, an expanded assortment of online exclusives and list builder tool.

Digital and Social Media

Kohl’s will increase its investment and reach through digital and social media, reflecting the growing trend of consumers going online to research and plan their holiday shopping. The company has continued to see substantial growth of its Facebook fan base, which now exceeds 5.8 million, up from approximately 2.8 million at this time last year. Kohl’s will leverage Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to make it easier for customers to shop and share their experiences. The company will engage in ongoing dialogue about Kohl’s brands, programs and gifts and will share select offers on Facebook and Twitter throughout the holiday season. Facebook fans will also receive exclusive savings opportunities during the holidays. New this year, the company will host an interactive charitable contest on Facebook that celebrates the holiday spirit and reinforces Kohl’s “Love to Give, Happy to Save” message.

Kohl’s will also leverage homepage takeovers as part of the company’s digital advertising strategy. The high-impact placements provide additional interaction with customers, promoting increased brand exposure. Throughout November and December, Kohl’s will promote sales events with nine homepage takeovers on popular sites such as AOL, MSN and Yahoo! Similar to last year, Kohl’s will have an expanded paid advertising presence on Facebook with online engagement ads. New this year, Kohl’s is investing in targeted online advertisements that help the company reach more targeted audiences and share holiday offers and promotions each day.

Kohls.com

The company expects sales on Kohls.com to reach $1 billion by the end of 2011 – an increase of approximately 38 percent from 2010. A convenient, one-stop destination for holiday shoppers, Kohls.com offers merchandise and savings available in store, plus tens of thousands of online exclusives. Visitors to Kohls.com will find new offers throughout the holiday season and convenient new navigation features – showcasing “What’s New,” “Best Sellers” and “Customers’ Top Rated” – to help customers plan and purchase holiday gifts easily. Kohls.com shoppers will enjoy Kohl’s seasonal promotions found in store, including the option to redeem Kohl’s Cash online. They will also receive additional value through online exclusive discounts and promotions on popular shopping days in November and December and compelling free shipping offers with a minimum purchase every day throughout the holiday season.

In early November, Kohl’s will launch its online Gift Shop, where customers can enjoy an inspiring and convenient online shopping experience. The Gift Shop will feature easy-to-shop categories to help gift givers find the perfect items for everyone on their lists. The new online Style Shop is an additional tool customers can use to find key holiday trends and inspired gift ideas. The popular list builder tool will once again be available on Kohls.com during the days leading up to Thanksgiving as an additional resource to help shoppers conveniently plan their in-store and online visits and preview hundreds of Early Bird offers. Online shoppers can start shopping after Thanksgiving Day specials early this year, with all “Happy Thanksaving Days” Early Bird specials available on Kohls.com on Thanksgiving Day.

Mobile

Recognizing that consumers are increasingly using smart phones for convenient, efficient shopping, the company has made significant investments in new mobile tools designed to make shopping even easier for busy consumers on-the-go. Sales alerts and exclusive holiday offers will help smart phone shoppers stay in-the-know about Kohl’s promotions throughout the season. An enhanced mobile application allows users to view and search circulars, find local store information, use QR code and bar code functionality to find product descriptions, read reviews, shop online, manage Kohls.com accounts and more.

Television and Radio

This year Kohl’s is significantly increasing its spend in broadcast to reach more customers. Kohl’s will inspire shoppers who “Love to Give” and are “Happy to Save” with advertisements that feature moments capturing the joy of giving the perfect gift. Beginning October 31, two 30-second national brand television spots will run throughout the holiday season during such programs as Dancing with the Stars, The X Factor, Grey’s Anatomy, Parenthood, How I Met Your Mother, The National Dog Show and various holiday specials.

A mix of 15- and 30- second television advertising spots highlighting the company’s exceptional value and key differentiators will support Kohl’s key sales events and seasonal merchandise offers to demonstrate why Kohl’s is the smartest choice for holiday shopping. Kohl’s will also sponsor Food Network’s Thanksgiving Live! program on Sunday, Nov. 20. This two-hour interactive program has top Food Network talent answering viewers’ questions about holiday meals and features exclusive Food Network merchandise available at Kohl’s.

The company continues to take advantage of radio’s strong reach with various 30-second national radio spots debuting on Nov. 1 and running through mid-December. Kohl’s will once again utilize DJ integration throughout the holiday season with radio personalities Ryan Seacrest, John Tesh and Lia, which will also support this year’s “Love to Give, Happy to Save” Facebook Contest.

Targeted Latino Marketing

Kohl’s will continue to engage Latino consumers during the holiday season through tailored national broadcast and radio spots beginning Nov. 7. The 15- and 30-second dedicated television spots will air on programs including novellas Una Familia con Suerte and La Fuerza del Destino and will feature gift-giving scenarios that demonstrate Kohl’s total value available to all customers through incredible savings opportunities on top of already great prices on quality brands.

In-Store Marketing

Kohl’s shoppers can expect an easy, convenient shopping experience that starts when they approach the store doors and continues with bright holiday signs expressing the overall holiday campaign message “Love to Give, Happy to Save.” Holiday signs throughout the store will call out the quality, stylish brands available at Kohl’s. Designated gift zones will showcase gifts under specific price points to guide gift givers to the merchandise they want at the value that fits their budget. Additionally, Kohl’s Kiosks conveniently located in every store offer shoppers access to an expanded assortment of sizes, styles, colors and merchandise that may not be available in stores. A benefit of this year-round feature, items ordered from in-store kiosks ship free of charge in the U.S. to a customer’s home or to a gift recipient.

To provide shoppers with an easy, convenient gift option, gift card centers will be located near check-outs and will offer an expanded assortment of holiday and everyday gift card styles, as well as a variety of accessories and Godiva chocolates to pair with gifts. Available both throughout stores and on Kohls.com in a variety of denominations, Kohl’s gift cards can be used anytime and have no service fees and no expiration dates. Kohl’s continues to grow its selection of third-party gift cards available in store, including gift cards for the digitally savvy for iTunes and Facebook Credits, as well as Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Starbucks, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, PF Chang’s, Red Lobster, Subway, SpaFinder, BP Gas, Shell Gas and more.

Philanthropy

This holiday season, Kohl’s makes it easy for consumers to give back to those who need it most through its numerous cause marketing initiatives, including its children’s and women’s cause merchandise programs of which 100 percent of the net profits are donated to children’s health and education initiatives and fighting breast cancer. New this year, the company will host an interactive contest on Facebook that celebrates the holiday spirit and reinforces Kohl’s “Love to Give, Happy to Save” message. Kohl’s will engage Facebook fans to help allocate $500,000 to select charities while rewarding personal stories of giving with Kohl’s gift cards.

About Kohl’s Department Stores

Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl’s operates 1,127 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $180 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.

Walmart Rings in Holiday, Customers Ring Up Savings Saturday, Nov. 5

Bentonville, AR  (Profitable.com)  Walmart is giving shoppers early savings on hot electronics and toys with a Super Saturday event starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at stores nationwide.

“Christmas is in full swing at Walmart, and we’re excited to offer incredible early savings on great gifts as well as fun activities for the whole family,” said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. “Our everyday low prices, along with these special savings and Christmas programs like layaway and our Christmas Price Guarantee, will help our customers create a wonderful Christmas this year.”

Hot Electronics and More

Super Saturday features savings on popular electronics and household items, while supplies last or until midnight Saturday, including:

• Sanyo 42″ Class LCD TV, $398, was $448
• Vizio 42″ Class LED TV, $498
• LG 47″ Class LED TV, $698
• Nook Color, Rollback $199, was $249
• Xbox 360® 250GB Console with Kinect™, $399 plus a $50 Walmart Gift Card
• Xbox 360® 4GB Console with Kinect™, $299 plus a $50 Walmart Gift Card
• Better Homes & Gardens 10-Cup Programmable Grind & Brew Coffee Maker, $39, was $79
• Better Homes & Gardens 10-Cup Food Processor, $39, was $79
• Better Homes & Gardens Blender with 8-Cup Jar, $39, was $79

Tremendous Toy Values

On Super Saturday, shoppers will find fun in Toyland with cupcakes, balloons, activities and giveaways for children. Every day low prices on top toy gifts will include:

• Raskullz 3D 16″ bicycle, $77
• Xia xia character, $9.88
• Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime, $59.88
• Fisher Price Big Action Construction Site with Remote Control, $49.88
• Playskool Sesame Street Let’s Rock! Elmo, $54.88
• Paper Jamz Pro Mic, $24.88

Black Friday Specials – Exclusive, Early Preview

For the first time, Walmart is offering customers an early, exclusive preview of its most highly sought-after Black Friday specials.  Starting later today, customers who sign up at Walmart.com or Facebook.com/Walmart will be the first to receive an early preview of its specials on the widest assortment of top electronics, toys, apparel and more. The retailer will reveal the specials soon.

“Walmart will be the Black Friday destination for the best prices on the hottest gifts, including brand name electronics and toys,” said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S.  ”We know shoppers are watching every penny this season, so we’re sharing our Black Friday specials early this year so they can plan ahead and deliver a wonderful Christmas for their families.”

Walmart has created a range of holiday offerings, all designed to help shoppers, including:

• Christmas Price Guarantee: Here’s how it works: If a customer buys an eligible product at Walmart anytime between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, and then finds that same product advertised for less at another store, Walmart will give the customer a gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. Walmart’s Christmas Price Guarantee is valid on purchases of identical items (the same brand, size, color, quantity, grade and model number) that are currently available at competitor’s stores located within the same local market as a particular Walmart store.
• Holiday Credit Offer: Shoppers can receive no interest if paid in full within six months on every purchase, every day in November and December 2011, in store or on Walmart.com with your Walmart® Credit Card. With no minimum dollar amount required, customers can buy the gifts they want from any department on any product in the store or at Walmart.com.
• More Ways to Save on Shipping: Nearly 95% of Walmart.com products – including hundreds of thousands of electronics, home furnishings, apparel, beauty products, diapers, sporting goods and more – are now eligible for free shipping via Site to Store, Pick Up Today, FedEx Site to Store and Home Free shipping programs. With Home Free, customers can ship any apparel and consumables order over $45 for free direct to their home.
• Walmart’s Christmas Layaway program enables customers to make payments on purchases in varying amounts when they want through Dec. 16. Toys and electronic gifts with a retail price of $15 or more are eligible, including dozens of toys on Rollback to $15.
• Save Money on Gas: The Gas Rollback has been extended through Dec. 24, and is available at participating Murphy stations at more than 1,000 Supercenters and 10 Walmart stations. This program gives customers a $0.10 discount on each gallon of gas or diesel fuel purchased at participating Murphy USA or Walmart stations.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,700 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com, and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Hoffman Estates, IL  (Profitable.com)  Sears Holdings makes shopping online at Sears.com and Kmart.com affordable and easy this holiday season through the offering of free shipping and free same-day store pick up. These quick, cost-effective shopping options will save customers time and money and allow them to focus more on spending time with friends and family.

With free shipping on Sears.com, Kmart.com and mygofer.com, customers can shop for and purchase a wide range of products, from tools to apparel and toys. Whether searching for a gift for friends or family, or even a special gift for themselves, shoppers will find what they need from more than 20 million items online. From proprietary brands like the popular Kardashian Kollection and Sofia Vergara to Craftsman and Kenmore, Sears.com and Kmart.com, and mygofer.com have everything customers need to get their holiday shopping finished effortlessly.

The free shipping offer will begin on Oct. 30 and run through Dec. 19. On Sears.com, customers can use promo code SHIPREALJOY to receive free shipping on qualified mailable orders totaling more than $99.* On Kmart.com, customers can type in promo code HOLIDAY to receive free shipping on qualified mailable orders totaling more than $49.** On mygofer.com, customers can use promo code JINGLE49 on qualified orders totaling more than $49***. New this year just in time for the holidays, Sears launched an online checkout experience that makes purchasing easier than ever before.

“We are always looking for ways to help our customers, especially during the busy holiday season,” said Imran Jooma, president of eCommerce at Sears Holdings. “We are constantly improving our customer service and overall shopping experience, which is why we’re offering multiple wallet-friendly ways to shop, purchase, and receive items all on the customer’s own terms. We want to take the stress out of holiday shopping so that our customers can focus on what’s important.”

Whether they’re looking for heavy-duty snow blowers or fashionable snow boots, customers can also reap the benefits of the Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store offering available at Sears and Kmart (powered by mygofer), which includes free same-day pick up at their local store and curbside pickup in select locations.

“While other companies are just now recognizing the need to meet customer demand to save valuable time and money when shopping online, millions of customers have already been using—and continue to use—Sears’ and Kmart’s best-in-class Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store service,” said Jooma.

Additional offerings that customers can enjoy this holiday season include the following:

• Sears, Kmart, and mygofer Mobile Apps: Available on iPhone, Android and Blackberry smartphones, Sears and Kmart mobile sites and apps give customers access to millions of products in the palm of their hands. On-the-go customers can use their phones to check if the item they want is in stock, buy it online and pick it up in-store, all without breaking a sweat.
• ShipVantage Membership Program: Customers can enjoy free standard shipping all year long on all Sears.com and Kmart.com purchases for the membership fee of only $79 for 12 months (a 30-day free trial membership is available). See details at www.sears.com/shipvantage. Discounted expedited mail options are available through this program. Membership fee applies. Applies only to mailable items sold by Sears & Kmart. Excludes all items sold by Marketplace Vendors.
• International Shipping: With international shipping to 91 countries, Sears helps customers send holiday cheer to everywhere from Australia to Chile. Packages will arrive just in time for Christmas if ordered by Dec. 1; visit Sears.com for details.
• APO/FPO Shipping: Customers can ship Sears.com orders to Army post office (APO) and Fleet post office (FPO) addresses, which are exempt from international customs duties. Order by Nov. 28 for packages to arrive by Christmas.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores inthe United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com.

*Visit Sears.com for details.
**Visit Kmart.com for details.
***Visit mygofer.com for details.

Washington  (Profitable.com)   The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.  It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Children’s Frog Masks

Units:  About 3,400

Importer: Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The plush frog masks lack proper ventilation. When secured in place across a child’s face, it presents a suffocation hazard to the child.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves child-sized frog-themed animal masks. The plush mask is green with yellow and red highlights. There are two eye cutouts and a green elastic band with a fastener used to secure the mask at the back of the child’s head. UPC code 06626491474 is printed on a label attached to the mask.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from August 2011 through September 2011 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately take masks from young children and return the product to any Target store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.target.com.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov.

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products—such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals—contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired.  Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov.  To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 440-0680
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Boulder, CO  (Profitable.com)  The 26th annual Club Industry Conference and Tradeshow, the premier independent fitness industry event, drew over 4,000 attendees and included 365 booths at Chicago’s McCormick Place, October 12 – 14, 2011.  This show delivered upon its promise to showcase the ‘next big thing in fitness’.  Buyers from every type of fitness facility, personal trainers and the industry elite discovered cutting-edge cardio and weight equipment, new digital fitness technologies and in-demand nutrition products.

Industry professionals in attendance had glowing remarks.  ”Club Industry drew me back this year with their new CEO Summit, custom show floor tour and buyers club,” said Jeff Skeen CEO of Titan Fitness.  ”The marketing and branding session was amazing and generated so many ideas for our gyms. I am eager to start implementing them,” said Carrie Speicher of the Chicago Athletic Club.

“This year’s Club Industry show was full of renewed energy,” said Pamela Kufahl, editor of Club Industry magazine. “We welcomed over 40 executives to the CEO Summit and implemented several new events to create energy and facilitate networking, including the opening night reception and Club LIVE event area. Next year’s show is already being planned with several exciting changes and additions to unveil.”

Chris Powell, transformation specialist from ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition,” and John Moore, marketing mastermind from Starbucks and Whole Foods Market, delivered keynote addresses on the business behind wellness and the role fitness plays in the overall health of America.

Red Lerille, owner of Red’s Health and Racquet Club in Lafayette, LA for over 50 years, was recognized with the Club Industry Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering dedication to innovation in his facility and for his members.

Life Fitness and the American Council on Exercise recognized Nicole Nichols as America’s top Personal Trainer to Watch. Nichols designs and implements prenatal and senior exercise programs and addresses eating disorders, body image, self-acceptance and strength training for women.

Join us for Club Industry 2012, October 10-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Club Industry Show, produced by Penton Media Inc. is the premier annual independent fitness industry event focusing on for-profit and not-for-profit facilities.  The combination of unmatched professional development, strategic business solutions and industry networking make Club Industry a must attend event for the fitness business professional.

Contact: Heather Smith
Club Industry Tradeshow
Penton Media Inc.
p. 303. 998. 9232
e. hsmith@newhope.com

Santa arrives early at Walmart (NYSE: WMT), with a delivery of must-have toys sure to be on every child’s wish list. The retailer today announced its top 20 toys for the holiday season, which include exclusive items, educational and interactive toys, licensed products and family entertainment available at low prices every day in store and online at walmart.com. Walmart is also helping parents place these toys under the family Christmas tree with its Christmas layaway program which kicks off Oct. 17.

“Value is a huge priority for our customers and they rely on Walmart for the right toys at great prices everyday and especially during the holiday season,” said Laura Phillips, senior vice president of toys and seasonal merchandising, Walmart. “We know this economic climate is difficult for our customers and we are committed to helping them have the Christmas they want and deserve.”

Top Twenty Toys for Toddlers to Tweens:

As the top toy destination, Phillips and her team of toy merchants work year-round to identify the hottest toys, which include:

Exclusive to Walmart:

• Mattel Monster High 3-Pack
• Lego Mace Windu Fighter

Preschool Play

• Hasbro Race Along Chuck
• Fisher Price Dance ‘n Play Puppy
• Hasbro Elmo Rocks
• Fisher Price Dora’s Fiesta Kitchen
• LeapFrog Leap Pad Explorer

Games and More for Girls

• MGA Lalaloopsy Silly Hair
• Mattel Fijit
• Hasbro Easy Bake Oven
• Hasbro Cookie Pie FurReal
• Mattel Barbie Camper

Playtime for Boys

• Hasbro Beyblades Triple Battle
• Hasbro Star Wars FX Lightsaber
• Hasbro Nerf Nitron
• Fisher Price Imaginext Bat Cave
• Spinmaster RC Real McQueen
• Hasbro Transformers Ultimate Optimus

Family Fun

• Wowee Paper Jams Pro Mic
• Hasbro Yahtzee Flash Games

Holiday Shopping is Easier with Christmas Layaway

To help families deliver a Christmas to remember, this year Walmart is offering a Christmas layaway program for electronics and toys. Available at all stores nationwide beginning Oct. 17 through Dec. 16, the program will be available on eligible toy and electronic gifts with a retail price of $15 or more*, including dozens of additional popular toys on Rollback to $15, such as Leapfrog Scribble and Write, Disney Princess Toddler Dolls, Transformers 3 Mechtech and select Lego playsets.

* In order to participate, each item must have a price of $15 or more, customers must have a total minimum layaway purchase of $50, make a 10% down payment on the total purchase, and pay a one-time non-refundable $5 service fee. Items put on layaway must be paid in full and picked up on or before Dec. 16. There is a $10 cancellation fee for any orders not picked up by that date or cancelled by the customer.  Cancellation fees and service fees may vary by state. Contract wireless phones are not eligible for the layaway program.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com

Toys”R”Us® today announced four top trends anticipated to influence toy sales in the coming months. From scouring trade shows and hit online videos to testing products in its network of 1,600 stores across 35 countries and jurisdictions, the company’s skilled merchandising team has spent the year analyzing emerging toy trends among kids in the United States and around the world.

“Using various methods of testing and tapping into the extensive knowledge of all our toy industry resources, the trends we’ve identified reflect the way today’s generation of kids is interacting with each other and the world around them, while also expressing a desire to explore their imagination,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, U.S. “Now that Christmas is mere months away, we’re excited to share our unique insights about the types of toys we believe will create big smiles on little faces and help ensure the thousands of moms and dads who shop with Toys”R”Us this season become holiday heroes as kids open their gifts on Christmas morning.”

By leveraging its position as a global, specialty toy retailer, and through a rigorous process that has been a year in the making, Toys”R”Us has identified the following 2011 top toy trends, as well as select items that exemplify each trend, all of which can be found in the company’s stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com:

App-cessories

From iPads to 3D TVs, the ways in which people engage with each other and enjoy entertainment have forever changed. And it’s no secret that adults aren’t the only ones placing the latest technological devices on their holiday wish lists. On public buses, in doctors’ offices and during play dates, kids can be spotted tapping the screens and buttons of their parents’ gadgets. To ensure tech-savvy children still have opportunities to enjoy traditional, kid-friendly play patterns, below are select toys now available at Toys”R”Us that interact with apps and are sure to excite and delight kids of all ages:

• Disney-Pixar® Cars 2 Appmates™ from Spin Master™
  Combining the excitement of Cars 2 and kids’ affinity for playing with their parents’ iPads, these too-cute, tiny toy cars are sure to be a child’s perfect playmate. Specially designed to transform any iPad into virtual raceways in Radiator Springs, World Grand Prix and more, each miniature Appmate car, based on kid-favorite Cars 2 characters, is automatically detected when placed on the surface of the iPad’s touch-sensitive screen after downloading a free “Cars 2 Appmates” app. From there, the physical toys jump into virtual adventure without the use of Bluetooth technology or any cabling. For even more fun, players can customize their cars with unique sounds, racing stripes and gear, while carrying out unique missions. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.
• iCade Arcade Cabinet for iPad™ from Ion Audio
  Kids and kids at heart can flashback to the glory days of gaming with this iPad-interactive, arcade-style cabinet complete with joystick and buttons. Featuring an authentic retro design, users can challenge friends for high scores with this new app-cessory, which includes an iPad plug-in and cradle that offers a secure fit during the most intense gaming sessions, an ideal, vertical screen-viewing angle and wirelessly connects the system’s arcade controls to iPad. It’s game on after users download any iCade-compatible app, including the free Atari Greatest Hits app, which provides access to more than 100 Atari classics from Asteroids to Battlezone. 2 “AA” batteries are required (included). Ages 8 years and up.
• iMarker™ Digital Stylus + Crayola ColorStudio HD App from Griffin™
  Coloring goes digital with this electronic drawing tool that transforms into Crayola crayons, markers, paint, colored pencils and more when interacting with an iPad. Featuring iconic colors from the Crayola 64 Box, young artists can discover their inner Picasso by interacting with “live” animated pages, complete with sound effects, music and hidden surprises when they download the complimentary ColorStudio HD app for iPad. 1 “AA” battery required (included). Ages 3 years and up.
• MY3D Viewer for iPhone/iPod touch from Hasbro®
  To experience 3D and 360-degrees of entertainment on any iPhone or iPod touch, users can simply insert their mobile device into this app-cessory before holding it up to their eyes. After downloading the free MY3D Presents app, the 3D viewer will allow users to see content from a variety of specially formatted MY3D apps in a whole new way. All apps available for download in the App Store. Tilting and turning the iPhone or iPod touch will allow for interactive and immersive 3D experiences, including gaming and entertainment. No batteries required. Ages 8 years and up.

Quirky Stuffed Characters

While teddy bears have long made great gifts for babies, today’s toy market is filled with hip, trendy plush characters that are far from traditional. From koo koo birds that ignite with sounds to stuffed creatures featuring uniquely ugly looks, kids are clamoring for these quirky characters that are both cuddly and cool:

• Uglydoll™ Plush from Pretty Ugly, LLC.
  From the creative minds of two love-struck artists, David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, emerged Uglyverse, a universe where ugly means unique and special. What started as a drawing of a quirky, playful orange character known as Wage has turned into a whole new world of fun. After Sun-Min sewed Wage into a plush toy as a surprise gift for her then boyfriend, the couple soon pulled more characters from the Uglyverse to create the now iconic world of Uglydoll. Featuring unique shapes and silly expressions, these plush have special personalities. No batteries required. Ages birth and up. These items will be available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide at the end of October.
• KooKoo Zoo 6-Inch KooKoo Birds from Jay at Play International
  Kids are going koo koo for these 6-inch stuffed KooKoo Birds, available in various colors and styles. When squeezed, the quirky characters react with an alarming KooKoo Kall that elicits fun and laughter. Each has a unique KooKoo expression and long-winded names such as Hot-Pink, Fire-Plumed Bird of Paradise and Rainbow-Billed, Long-Tailed KooKoo. Plus, every KooKoo Bird comes with a listing of all birds in the assortment with pictures, serial numbers and names, so kids can collect the whole flock. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up.
• Smurfs Plush from JAKKS Pacific®
  Kids and collectors can choose from 8-inch, 11-inch and 21-inch stuffed versions of Smurfette, Papa Smurf and more fan-favorite Smurf characters that the world was able to reconnect with after the launch of The Smurf live-action film during the summer of 2011. Each plush character features the iconic blue hue, white accessories and classic faces they’re known for. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.
• 22-Inch Lion (Jackson) from Plushalicious®
  Kids looking for a cuddle buddy that’s hip and cool can bring this 22-inch lion to any slumber party and show him off with pride. Featuring a psychedelic tie-dye print and a long, shaggy mane, this plush pal is incredibly cute and has tons of character. No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.
• Annoying Orange Talking Fresh Squeezed Plush from The Bridge Direct
  Serving up a delicious dose of “freshly squeezed comedy,” these 3.5-inch stuffed characters are capturing kids’ and fans’ imaginations following the highly popular web series, The Annoying Orange.  Children and adults alike are sure to love the whole line of hilarious talking toys, each of which recite jokes and puns from the series. Available styles include Orange, Pear and Midget Apple. 3 “AG-13” alkaline button cell batteries required (included; non-replaceable). Ages 4 years and up. These items will be available at Toys“R”Us beginning in November.

Reverse Tech

In today’s world, kids are not satisfied with, nor are they limited to, experiencing their favorite characters, shows, movies and games through just one medium. Instead, children of all ages are looking for ways to transport the excitement and entertainment of their favorite virtual properties out of the digital realm and into the physical world, too. This year, a variety of playthings, from plush pals to construction sets, offer tangible extensions of some of the most popular video games, social networks and apps for kids. The following tech-inspired toys can be found on Toys”R”Us shelves nationwide:

• Angry Birds™ Knock on Wood Game from Mattel®
  Kids can build structures and launch Angry Birds mini figures to score points as they destroy opponents’ towers and knock down their green pigs with this skill-and-action board game based on the best-selling Angry Birds app from Rovio. Complete with Angry Birds and green pigs mini figures, a slingshot-style launcher, structure pieces and mission cards, this game is sure to ignite players’ competitive nature.  No batteries required. Ages 5 to 7 years.
• Mario Kart™ Wii Bowser’s™ Castle Ultimate Building Set™ from K’NEX
  Gamers can recreate the complete multi-level Bowser’s Castle track from Mario Kart Wii with this Toys”R”Us exclusive set, featuring more than 650 pieces, that takes the experience of racing Mario and Luigi out of the video game and into the real world. Kids can connect the 26 pieces of double-wide track and then race Mario in his Standard Kart, alongside Luigi in his Wild Wing Kart. The set also includes four collectible items that can help or hinder racers – a mushroom, green turtle shell, banana peel and Bullet Bill. 4 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 6 years and up.
• Need for Speed Porsche GT3 RS Construction Set from MEGA Brands
  Kids can now construct their very own authentic Porsche model, straight from the Need for Speed video game franchise. Equipped with pieces authentic to the Porsche featured in the game, such as racing seats, functional doors, roll bar, high rear spoiler and real rubber tires, this set has everything a fan, collector or kid at heart will need to build and customize a highly detailed 1/14 scale Porsche GT3 RS. No batteries required. Ages 8 years and up.
• Moshi Monsters™ Moshling Mini-Figures 3-pack from Spin Master™
  Since 2008, kids have been interacting with their own monsters online at MoshiMonsters.com, creating virtual rooms, playing games and adopting pets, called Moshlings, for their Moshi Monsters to care for. Now, the miniature Moshlings from the hit online community are ready to leave their virtual world and come home to fans nationwide with this Toys”R”Us exclusive line of plastic figurines. With more than 30 available, children can build their Moshling collection with three-packs that each showcase two Moshlings, while leaving one shrouded in mystery.  For additional fun, kids can use an included secret code to retrieve one special item for their Moshi Monster online at MoshiMonsters.com. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up.
• Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure™ from Activision®
  Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure™ lets gamers bring their toys to life when they place their action figures on the “Portal of Power,” instantly teleporting characters into a video game world. Players can then complete adventures, collect surprises and more that will be retained when their character leaves the game world. Upon reentering Skylanders, each character retains in-game experiences and can transfer weapons, skills and more across platforms when playing on a Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC or Mac. This starter set comes with everything needed to complete the game, including the “Portal of Power;” Spyro, Gill Grunt and Trigger Happy playable action figures; the game and more. No batteries required. Rated “E10+.” This item will be available beginning October 16.

Gross is Good

While parents have been known to deter kids from rolling in the mud, picking through trash and eating anything that squirms or skitters, this season, children may be encouraged to enjoy friendly, foul fun – sans mess! Here are some examples of the icky, gruesome, funky toys that are as exciting as they are gross:

• The Trash Pack™ from Moose Toys
  Tiny, squishy garbage-themed characters named after the icky, stinky delights found in the trash, such as Mucky Maggot, Rankenstein, Smelly Sock and more, are the newest in collectible crazes. With more than 100 hilariously disgusting – yet adorable – characters to collect, share and swap, kids are already clamoring to snap up their favorites. Trashies come in three colors and have unique features and molded edges that make them feel gross to the touch. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up.
• Incredible Edibles Fright Factory from JAKKS Pacific
  Kids will drool over this new laboratory set as they create disgustingly delicious goodies, such as gummy body parts, bio brains, gooey guts and fizzing alien blood, before daring family, friends and foes to eat these frightful creations. With various flavored mixes to choose from, including apple, strawberry and grape, kids won’t be able to pass up tasting their own icky treats. Additional molds and refills sold separately. No batteries required.  Ages 6 to 10 years.
• Doctor Dreadful Zombie Drink Lab from Spin Master™
  This ultra icky mad scientist lab includes a cup, faux syringe, brain molded beaker, zombie head gear base and three body parts molds for endless hours of mixing and making disgusting, yet delectable, drinks. Kids’ taste buds will be crawling when they create and taste the more than 40 possible, repulsively yummy treats, or use them to spook family and friends. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up.
• Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker Creation Station from JAKKS Pacific
  Kids can create a wide variety of creepy crawlers to scare off siblings and friends. From scary spiders, beetles, maggots and frogs, to lizards, sea creatures, zombies and more, the bug maker makes it easy to craft these creepy creations. Children will love to fill them with goo and smash them for the ultimate in gross play. Additional molds and refills sold separately. 4 “D” batteries required (not included). Ages 8 years and up.

About Toys”R”Us, Inc.

Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 875 Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 520 international stores and over 200 licensed stores in 34 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys”R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

Software Development Solutions, Inc. announced today the launch of Jamcast Player, a streaming client app exclusively for Android devices.  Jamcast Player is compatible with Android version 2.1+ and is now available for download from the Android Market.

Using Jamcast Server and an existing home internet connection, consumers can establish a secure private cloud from which all of their digital music is shared.  Jamcast Player then connects their Android device to the private cloud over a 3G/4G or Wi-Fi data connection, allowing users to browse, search, and stream their entire music catalog from anywhere.

Jamcast Player provides total control over audio quality and network data usage with adjustable performance configurations by network connection type.   Additionally, Jamcast Player proudly supports native playback of a wide variety of audio formats, including FLAC/FLAC-HD, OGG, MP3, WMA, ALAC, and AAC/AAC+.

“Jamcast is for consumers seeking anytime access to their digital music collection from anywhere without syncing or consuming storage space on the device,” said Scott Streaker, President and CEO of Software Development Solutions, Inc.  ”This is smart, simple software designed with the advanced listener in mind.”

While still in beta, Jamcast Player already packs an assortment of other features including gapless playback, automatic internet server discovery, integrated security, voice search, SD card installation, car dock support, and more.  The quick and intuitive user interface displays high resolution album art and is optimized for car usage.

Jamcast Player is a free download from the Android Market for devices running Android 2.1 and higher.  Optimized display support for tablet devices and Google TV is forthcoming.

Jamcast Server is simple to install and runs on Microsoft Windows XP or higher.  A fully-functional 14-day trial of the software is available for download at http://getjamcast.com, and a license can be purchased for only $29.99.

About Software Development Solutions, Inc.

Software Development Solutions, Inc. is a startup company headquartered in Orlando, Florida specializing in the innovation and development of cross-platform software for the network-connected digital world.  Jamcast is a streaming media solution that enables consumers to access music, podcasts, and other digital audio from connected devices around the home and beyond.

For More Information:
Website: http://getjamcast.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GetJamcast
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GetJamcast

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s leading authority on fitness and the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certification, education and training organization, today announced the results of an independently conducted, academic study on Vibram FiveFingers, a sock-style shoe designed to simulate the effect of running barefoot while still protecting the foot. The study found that while the shoes may be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic running injuries, using Vibrams and barefoot-style shoes for running can pose additional risks if runners do not adopt the correct foot-to-ground strike style.

ACE commissioned the study to determine what happens when runners switch from their traditional running shoes to wearing minimalist running shoes like Vibram FiveFingers.  Advocates of barefoot running suggest that traditional running shoes may increase a runner’s risk of injury, as the shoes encourage the foot to use a heel-strike pattern, which causes more pounding and stress. Conversely, barefoot runners tend to run more lightly, landing near the balls of the feet and generating less pounding and potentially less risk of injury. Vibram suggests its product helps users simulate the feeling of being barefoot and achieve a forefoot strike run pattern while providing the abrasion protection of wearing a shoe.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of individuals using barefoot-style running shoes, and felt it critical to examine this trend,” said American Council on Exercise’s Chief Science Officer, Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D. “The bottom line is that runners must first and foremost modify their running style for ultimate safety and benefit, and this should be done gradually through regular practice. Once that is achieved, Vibram FiveFingers can be a safe and effective shoe for those who want to experience the feel of barefoot running.”

Conducted by the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Exercise and Health Program, and led by John Porcari, Ph.D., and Caitlin McCarthy, M.S., the study evaluated 16 healthy, injury-free female subjects, ages 19 to 25, all of whom were considered recreational joggers.  Prior to the beginning of the study, each subject was fitted with a pair of Vibram FiveFingers Bikila, which are specially designed for running. For two weeks prior to the test, the subjects wore the shoes while running three times a week, for 20 minutes per day, to become accustomed with the new shoe style.

After the two-week acclimation period, participants returned to the lab for 3-D motion analysis and measurement of ground-reaction forces as they ran under three different conditions.  Subjects were measured as they ran on a 20-meter runway while wearing Vibrams, while wearing a pair of neutral running shoes and while running barefoot. Each participant completed seven trials per condition; the order was randomized between the Vibrams and the running shoes, but the barefoot condition was always measured last.

Following the tests, researchers noted that all of the subjects were rear-foot strikers when wearing the neutral running shoes, but half of the group switched to a forefoot strike pattern when wearing Vibrams or while running barefoot. The other half of the group maintained the same rear-foot strike pattern throughout all of the conditions.

Those who adopted the forefoot-strike style showed greater plantar flexion, which appears to allow better absorption of the impact forces of running. The members of the group that continued to use a rear-strike style when wearing Vibrams or running barefoot experienced a higher rate of loading, and measured higher load rates than when wearing the typical running shoes. Researchers noted that all participants experienced reduced knee flexion, which is typically associated with lower injury rates, when wearing Vibrams and running barefoot.  It was also observed, however, that Vibram wearers showed greater pronation, similar to that when running in regular shoes, which may increase the risk of some overuse injuries of the lower extremity.

A complete study summary can be found in the latest issue of ACE Certified News, located atwww.acefitness.org/getfit/research.aspx.

About ACE

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s premier fitness education, certification and training organization, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting Americans against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and is the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certifying organization.  For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE website at www.acefitness.org.

Idolian.com is pleased to announce the launch of White HeroTab C8 Android tablet PC. Idolian is a tablet PC manufacturer and distributor with its offices in Newport Beach, CA, Arkansas and South Korea. Idolian’s vision is to produce reliable Tablet PC, priced between $100-$299 that any individual or small businesses can afford.

The new White HeroTab C8 has a sleek new style and feel, got rid of it’s metal looking casing and comes with stylish buttons and upgraded smooth casing. it is priced starting at just $209.99. It runs on Samsung Cortex A8 Chipset, 1 GHz CPU, 512MB, 7” Capacitive Touch Screen, Front Facing Camera, 360 G-Sensor, HDMI output on upgraded Android 2.3 OS. Also HeroTab C8 offers WI-FI connectivity and a long lasting battery life (5-6 hours), Android Google Market, Flash Player.

The New White HeroTab C8 is available for purchase through amazon.com and on idolian.com at discounted price. Thanks to its established retail distribution, Idolian tablet PC’s will be widely available at cellular locations throughout the USA and South Korea in the near future.

Unlike many other Tablet PC manufacturers, all of Idolian’s Tablet PC’s come with 1 year warranties that are serviced in the USA.

About Idolian.com

Idolian.com is division of Idolian Mobile, Inc, an International telecommunication company that terminates calls throughout the world. Idolian Mobile Inc. is headquartered in Newport Beach, California and has two branch offices in Arkansas and Seoul Korea.

Like its slogan “Tablets for Everyone,” Idolian.com’s mission is to become a major brand for Android Tablet market that everyone can afford.

Idolian.com is pleased to announce the new 8 inch Android tablet PC TurboTab 8.0. Idolian is a tablet PC manufacturer and distributor with its offices in Newport Beach, CA, Arkansas and South Korea. Idolian’s vision is to produce reliable Tablet PC, priced between $100-$299 that any individual or small businesses can afford.

TurboTab 08 has a sleek new style and feel, it is priced starting at just $269.99. It runs on Samsung Cortex A8 Chipset, 1 GHz CPU, 512MB, 8” Capacitive Touch Screen, Front Facing Camera, 360 G-Sensor, HDMI output on Android 2.2 OS. Also TurboTab S offers WI-FI connectivity and a long lasting battery life (5-6 hours), Android Google Market, Flash Player.

TurboTab 08 is available for purchase through amazon.com, buy.com, sears.com and idolian.com at discounted price. Thanks to its established retail distribution, Idolian tablet PC’s will be widely available at cellular locations throughout the USA and South Korea in the near future.
Unlike many other Tablet PC manufacturers, all of Idolian’s Tablet PC’s come with 1 year warranties that are serviced in the USA.

About Idolian.com

Idolian.com is division of Idolian Mobile, Inc, an International telecommunication company that terminates calls throughout the world. Idolian Mobile Inc. is headquartered in Newport Beach, California and has two branch offices in Arkansas and Seoul Korea.

Like its slogan “Tablets for Everyone,” Idolian.com’s mission is to become a major brand for Android Tablet market that everyone can afford.