Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Wednesday quick notes

NASCAR is planning to increase its licensed merchandise directed toward women, recognizing that women are now 40% of its fan base. NASCAR-branded swimwear, shoes and boots, and leather jackets are among the items planned. "Sales of NASCAR's licensed merchandise have flattened at $2 billion, and the brand thinks it can boost product sales - and image - by courting female fans."

Home Depot is testing an expansion into automotive supplies. The test will consist of about 500 square feet in ten stores in the Jacksonville area.

Ahold's Tops Markets chain in upstate New York is planning to spend up to $60 million renovating stores over the next two years, and says it will "be more aggressive in its marketing, so as to better compete not only with Wal-Mart, but also with Northeast star players such as Wegmans."

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