Aug. 1 - Petco this month introduced an exclusive multi-category line of products in conjunction with Cesar Millan, host of National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer.

July 30 - Johnson & Johnson warms up for the Aug. 8 start of the 2008 Olympic Games with multiple promotions in this week's FSIs.

As new pet products proliferate, brands are forced to fight for space and shoppers in stores.

Dec. 17 - The Institute presents a review of marketing and merchandising activity at more than 50 leading retail chains. Coverage includes more than 350 images of seasonal displays, signs, store environments and marketing collateral.

In an Institute exclusive, more than 250 brand marketers rate the effectiveness of various communications in driving incremental display sales. Is a promotional incentive more effective than a description of product features or benefits?

Owning a small independent chain puts Dave Ratner in a unique position to understand both high-level vendor relationships and the in-store realities that can derail them. In an audio-enabled presentation from last fall's P-O-P Show, Ratner offers grassroots advice on effective merchandising programs. Here's something often overlooked: "Bring donuts."