Sears and Choice Hotels partner up

Sears Canada and Choice Hotels have announced a new deal to intermingle their loyalty marketing capabilities and reap the benefits of cross-promotion.

Sears credit card holders will now be able to use their cards as a payment method at more than 200 Clarion, Quality, Comfort, Sleep, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites and Rodeway Inns across Canada. The deal gives Choice access to a potential customer base of eight million cardholders and Sears a value-added feature for its Sears Card customers.

Wal-Mart gets into private label

Wal-Mart’s Select Edition private label brand is now being sold north of the 49th parallel.

The discount mass merchandiser has introduced the brand, which is already available in the u.s., with a selection of products sold exclusively in Canada. They include home fashions for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Select Edition has a three-tiered pricing strategy. White Label is the least expensive line; Blue Label is the mid-range line; and Gold Label is the premium line. Furnishings for the living and dining room will be added later this year.