Q&As

In approaching loyalty programs, too many companies think that they have to be all things to all customers. As a result they design programs that are either too expensive, or offer inadequate rewards.

Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern is celebrating its 30th anniversary by throwing the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party in March. The anniversary celebration kicks off in late February when the restaurant chain rolls out its St. Patrick’s Day Blarney …

Rebate programs don’t need new legislation; they need tougher enforcement of current laws, and better education for marketers and retailers, industry experts say.

Blockbuster is out with two new products—an online gift voucher and a movie and meal card—designed to boost the company’s popular gift card products.

Toys ‘R’ Us, Inc. will close 75 stores and cut 3,000 jobs this spring in an effort to rebound from sales declines. The 680-store chain will shutter under-performing stores nationally and convert another 12 stores to its Babies ‘R’ Us format. Toys ‘R’ Us …

Gap Inc. Business Direct has signed a deal with wholesale distributor Staton Corporate & Casual to carry Gap and Old Navy-branded corporate apparel.

Norwood Promotional Products Holdings, Inc., a distributor of promotional products, has decided to take the company off the market after months of exploring offers from prospective buyers. “We did entertain potential buyers for a number of months, but …

Last year automakers spent $1.2 billion less on incentives than they did in 2004, according to Edmunds.com, an online resource for automotive information. Analysts said the decline is due to lower priced cars resulting in less incentive spending by automakers.

The Home Depot will buy construction supply distributor Hughes Supply for $3.47 billion to expand its business-to-business division. Atlanta-based Home Depot will add Hughes to its Home Depot Supply division, doubling that unit’s sales to about $12 …

Cable network WE: Women’s Entertainment is rolling out a national marketing campaign with Curves, a fitness and weight loss facility for women designed to help consumers get rid of extra weight and turn their pants into works of art.