News Briefs
WALMART.COM: Bentonville, AR, reportedly has hired Carter Cast as president of the Web site, replacing John Fleming, who was named Wal-Mart Stores’ CMO in April (May 3 Xtra). Cast joins Walmart.com on July 5 from his post as CMO at eBay; he had been a Walmart.com VP before joining eBay.
SUBWAY RESTAURANTS: has chosen Portland, OR-based Chockstone Inc. to provide the electronic cards it will use to replace its paper Sub Club loyalty cards. The QSR is phasing its existing Sub Club program out due to increased fraud and an outdated redemption process (PROMO Xtra June 6) that required stamps to track purchase frequency. The Chockstone system is already used by Subway franchisees in seven states.
HUTCHINSON TIRES: has signed a three-year deal as the official tire of Tour de France. Hutchinson will leverage the deal by producing limited edition tires in the official Tour de France colors of yellow and silver.