Retail & Celebrity Charity News March 30-April 5

Nicole Richie Lands Show Deal
Preggers celebrity Nicole Richie has inked a multi-product, multi-year deal with Rick and Brian Cytrynbaum, owners of Earnest Sewn, to make shoes. Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 brand will include 20 shoe styles in 2010, as well as bags, sunglasses, belts and other accessories.

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Starbucks Launches New Ice Cream Line
A new ice cream line inspired by Starbucks’ beverages is set to hit grocery stores this spring.  The line, a collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company and Unilever, is made from all-natural ingredients, including milk and cream from cows not treated with rBGH.  The flavors include Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Frappuccino, Java Chip Frappuccino, and Coffee.  All flavors will be available in pints, while Mocha and Coffee will also be available in novelty bar form.

Bell Environmental Services Tap Technology To Fight Bed Bugs
New Jersey-based pest management company Bell Environmental Services is addressing the tri-state area’s bed bug crisis using the environmentally-friendly Instant Freeze.  The procedure is non-toxic and non-chemical, utilizing carbon dioxide “dry ice” snow, does not require evacuation, and is safe for use in homes with children and pets. The company has a history of using green technology, recently expanding from industrial use to use in residential work.

DSW Names New President & CEO
Footwear retailer DSW announced the appointment of Michael MacDonald as President and CEO, effective April 2009. MacDonald has over thirty years experience in the retail industry and has held leadership roles at Saks, Carson Pirie Scott, Marshall Fields, Dayton Hudson Department Stores, and, most recently, Shopko Stores. MacDonald will replace Schottenstein, who will remain with the company as chairman.

Rachel Bilson Joins Jergens’ Skin Cancer Initiative
Actress Rachel Bilson is joining the “Glow in the Dark” campaign by skin care product company Jergens, promoting the use of bottle tanning products in place of traditional tanning to reduce rates of skin cancer.  Bilson took the campaign’s pledge (“I promise to give up bad tanning habits, practice sun safety, get a safe summer glow, and keep my skin hydrated”) and is featured in campaign materials. For every person who takes the pledge on the Jergens’ website (http://www.jergens.com/GlowInTheDark/index.asp), the company will donate $1 to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Gwyneth Paltrow Designs Clothing To Benefit Charity
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is teaming with French clothing label ZOEtee’s to design a collection whose proceeds will benefit the London-based charity Kids Company.  Kids Company provides practical and educational support to inner-city children and young adults, particularly those with severe emotional and behavioral problems stemming from abuse or neglect. The collection, for Autumn/ Winter 2009, will be called ZOEtee’s Loves Gwyneth, and is set to debut this week in London.

Topshop To Open In New York
Trendy British retailer Topshop, recently known for its tie-up with model Kate Moss, will finally open its New York store, the first in the United States, on Thursday April 2. Located on Broadway near Broome, in SoHo, The company will be hosting parties around the city to celebrate the opening, with ribbon cuttings by the waif celeb.

For the complete scoop, click here.