Merchandising

Last election, Obama's campaign weapon of choice was the internet. This election, it looks like he's going another route: the dog route. Hey, people do spend money on their dogs. Here are some of the campaign-fundraising items now on sale at Store.BarackObama.com:

Nike and Reebok have settled a lawsuit over the right to sell New York Jets football apparel bearing the name of the Jets' new quarterback, Tim Tebow. According to a final judgment made public on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel in Manhattan, Reebok agreed to stop selling Jets-related apparel with Tebow's name on it. Reebok also agreed to buy back such apparel already shipped to retailers. Reebok's licensing agreement with the National Football League ended March 31, and Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike became the official supplier of licensed NFL apparel this month.

Russell Brands announced the launch of the Russell Athletic brand's new women's apparel line in conjunction with a refreshed e-commerce site and updated logo. With 18 styles available at launch, ranging from performance fleece and hoodies to active skorts and capris, the new line and e-commerce platform ensures there's something to suit active women everywhere. "Russell Athletic has a rich history of providing comfortable and affordable sports performance wear for both professional and amateur athletes," said Sarah Gholston, vice president, design and merchandising.

Reebok said Tuesday it can prove it wasn't selling merchandise in violation of its expired 10-year licensing deal with the NFL. The ban came after Nike filed a lawsuit last week, days after Tebow was traded from Denver to New York. Nike has NFL licensing rights. The Beaverton, Ore.-based company says it'll lose a one-time opportunity if the ban on Reebok sales is lifted. Reebok says it sold 6,000 Tebow Jets jerseys and 25,000 T-shirts, not enough to impact Nike sales. 

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow has already been introduced to fans, but they'll have to wait until Tuesday to meet his official NFL jersey. U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel granted Nike a temporary restraining order late Wednesday, finding "sufficient reason" for him to block sales of Tebow merchandise created by Reebok after March 1. Nike has a five-year contract to be the NFL's exclusive provider of on-field apparel, including game uniforms and sideline apparel.

ShoeDazzle, the online subscription commerce startup founded by Kim Kardashian, among others, is expanding its offerings to include apparel. The company, which originally launched as a subscription service to deliver new shoes and handbags to women, said it will now include an entire new category of apparel. The service will include lingerie, dresses and outfits which complement ShoeDazzle's existing women's shoes, handbags and accessories.

In a showdown between sports merchandising giants, Nike alleged that Reebok illegally sold Tim Tebow shirts and other apparel soon after he was traded to the Jets last week, according to a complaint filed late Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan. “Despite not having any current right or license to produce new N.F.L. products featuring N.F.L. player identification (i.e., player name and number), Reebok is producing and selling Tim Tebow-identified New York Jets apparel products in order to capitalize on the public’s short-lived intense consumer appetite for such products, and to prevent Nike from doing so,” the complaint said.

A lawsuit alleges that Columbia Sportswear, as well as two Washington companies, breached nondisclosure agreements and misappropriated numerous trade secretes from Plaintiff, Innovative Sports. According to the complaint, Innovative Sports developed and brought to market heated clothing and wearable electronics, designing products such as heated jackets and its unique "Heater" pitching sleeve. 

Kohl's will start selling an exclusive "American Idol" clothing line in April, the department store said. The collection, called Authentic Icon, will be available in stores through June to coincide with the 11th season of the show. 

State of the Social Universe: What Marketers Should Keep in Mind, from 4 Experts Who Can Help You Reach for the Stars

They shared their insights on where things are now, what trends are emerging, what marketers need to emphasize, and how they can make the most of it all. Sections include:

1) Drive the Mobile Vehicle Smartly, and Honor Your Email Opt-In Relationships
- Sara Meaney President, Strategy & Growth, Hanson Dodge Creative

2) It's About Location, Location, Location: Know Where Your Customer Is
- Asif Khan Founder and president of the Location Based Marketing Association

3) On the Rise: Social Intelligence
- Doug Camplejohn CEO of Fliptop

4) Start - and End - with Your Content
- Ann Handley Chief content officer for MarketingProfs