Retail & Celebrity Charity News June 24

–Sears inked a deal with rapper/actor LL Cool J to create a new clothing line, Adweek reports. The collection will be out in September at 450 Sears stores, with plans for expanded distribution around the holiday season. If it sells well, accessories might be added.

–Kohl’s has donated $100,000 cash to flood relief efforts in the Midwest to help the American Red Cross. The donation is earmarked with $25,000 for Wisconsin and $15,000 each to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri. Kohl’s is encouraging its employees to volunteer to help with cleanup efforts through its A-Team program; for every five Kohl’s associates volunteer, the company will donate $500 to the American Red Cross or other flood-relief nonprofits.

–Apple’s opened its first Australia store in Sydney on June 19. The Apple Store Sydney has more than 80 Macs and 60 iPods for customer use, as well as Apple and third-party specialists.

–Schifter + Partners is now producing a fourth brand, Kidrobot, an adult toy company that is releasing its first collection of lifestyle bags and other accessories. Kidrobot, a brand that often collaborates with graffiti artists and has been selected to be featured in the Museum of Modern Art permanent design collection.  Schifter + Partners designs manufactures and markets Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers collections, and the Jill Stuart handbag collection.