Merchandising

eBay’s auction-based e-commerce solution is often loaded with merchandise after a celebrity dies. Ryan Dunn, a noted cast member of the infamous "Jackass" TV and movie series, died in a car crash outside Philadelphia. MTV has already posted a photo retrospective on their website. Many celebrity and entertainment news outlets are also running extensive coverage, as well as the other staple of a celebrity death: the massive outpouring of Twitter sadness.

It wasn't that long ago that retail industry experts were saying Target needed to do something to stem the numbers of shoppers heading to Wal-Mart to buy everyday staples. Today, the company is being criticized for the low margins associated with getting greater numbers of people to buy food products in its stores. For a little history, a 2008 report by Citi Investment Research found that 87 percent of consumers perceived Wal-Mart to have lower prices than Target. Many consumers were flocking to supercenters that offered food items not available at locations with the bull's-eye logo.

The killing of Osama bin Laden quickly spawned a mini-industry of memorabilia, with street vendors and online stores busily peddling trinkets to celebrate and commemorate the moment.

A growing number of cross-channel retailers are turning to pop-up stores to launch products and concepts, generate buzz, build brand awareness, and dip their toes in the water of new locations. But something that might begin with a lightbulb-over-the-head scenario takes a lot more to put into action than the simple act of turning on a light switch, displaying an open sign and unlocking a door.

From Prince William champagne to Kiss Me Kate beer, from refrigerators to PEZ dispensers, from comic books to condoms, enterprising marketers are plastering the young couple's image and name on every conceivable type of merchandise.

Royalists are set to splurge 1.7 billion pounds in an unexpected wave of wedding fever. Experts said consumers will shell out an average of 59.21 pounds on mementos and 115.89 pounds each on food and booze — more than had been predicted. The big spenders are under-25s with a third planning to celebrate on April 29.

With pressure increasing on folks not to smoke, Zippo Manufacturing is hoping to capitalize on its brand by offering a wider variety of products — from watches to leisure clothing to cologne — through kiosks and Zippo-brand specialty stores designed to showcase the durable image reinforced by each distinctive lid "click" of its brass-encased, lifetime-guaranteed lighters.

Kmart will debut LYS — Love Your Style, Love Your Size — this month, a new and exclusive plus-size apparel line. The collection features trend-forward separates designed to flatter plus-size women of all shapes and sizes. 

NASCAR is locking in its biggest ever retail promotion with the world's biggest retailer, with CNBC's Darren Rovell, and Brian Sozzi, Wall Street Strategies.

Perhaps you read earlier this month that Procter & Gamble sold most of its Zest soap business to a private equity company. After 60 years it was determined that this product line was no longer a strategic fit. Despite its various product extensions over the years (Aqua, Ocean Breeze, Marathon) and its combination tactics (Hair + Body), and the unique addition of ingredients (Hint of Honey), Zest no longer met Proctor & Gamble’s “secret sauce” criteria. No doubt this was a tough decision. I applaud the company for deciding to ultimately support their long-term brand purpose.