The most expensive presidential election in U.S. history comes to a close as America heads to the polls.

Suzuki to end U.S. auto sales and file Chapter 11.

Netflix adopts poison-pill defense and Carl Icahn slams it.

Apple is said to be considering switch from Intel for Mac and may be seeing tablet dominance come to an end, as EU reportedly ready to stike a deal on e-books.

Balenciaga parts ways with longtime creative director Nicolas Ghesquière.

BMW shrugs off high costs as profit rises.

CBS signs multi-year deal with Hulu.

Eight O'Clock Coffee sends "superfans" on junket.

GM bolsters its credit line against European losses and pension costs.Continue reading...

Call it awww-gmented reality: Starbucks has updated its Cup Magic augmented reality app, introduced before Christmas, in time for Valentine's Day. Send and receive 3D virtual messages by scanning limited edition love heart adorned cups — more info here.

More Valentine's brand love below, from Pizza Hut, Heineken and more:Continue reading...

In a development that will be appreciated by male football fans everywhere, "The Diamond Store" Zales has a new holiday season ad campaign.

And… it's actually not that bad. But the campaign message is nearly the same as two years ago, what changed?Continue reading...

You've got to hand it to Dov Charney. The mustachioed founder/CEO of American Apparel doesn't give a damn (or a tee) that his once-hip hipster fashion line has been given less than 18 months to live.

A video posted on the brand's YouTube channel shows the struggling brand's CEO chatting with a reporter from his homeland — Canada — to prove that the rumors of his brand's death are greatly exaggerated. Other videos feature the marketing team, the creative team, the production team, the chief manufacturing officer, the showroom — even shipping & receiving and the masseuse.

Yes, 24/7 Wall Street feels you'd better enjoy that bowl of Kellogg’s Corn Pops while wearing some American Apparel clothing and reading your Soap Opera Digest right now. Get a call in on your Nokia phone while you’re at it and grab a bite at an A&W restaurant.Continue reading...

Tiffany & Co. exceeded expectations, but the jeweler still has challenges. [Daily Finance]

If 2009 was known for its brand extensions, what will this year bring? [Adweek]

Palm will still sell its Pre and Pixi thanks to a new contract with AT&T. [Daily Finance]

Sun Capital Partners is debating a purchase of the perpetually-struggling Zales. [WSJ]

InVisage Technologies has created an innovative new camera for cellphones. [NY Times]

Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks to give free food as an annual promotion. [Consumerist]Continue reading...

Zales, the mall-based jewelry stalwart, is in trouble.

The brand just reported that same-store sales slipped more than 18 percent in November. Since a quarter of all Zales revenue comes from November holiday sales, this presents a daunting reality for the brand. So... what happened?

Nothing. And that's the problem.

The jewelry brand is doing what it's always done; that is to say, inundate man-type programming like football with Zales ads that instruct men on what to get the better half for the holidays. Yet that strategy doesn't seem to be working in these tough economic times where both men and women are finding more affordable ways to express themselves. Continue reading...

Online shoppers will be thrilled to learn that DailyCandy, the website known for newsletters alerting of sample sales, has created its own sample sale website. The members-only site, called Swirl, will carry designer clothing and accessories for up to 80% off.

The online sales market has become increasingly crowded and increasingly popular. One of the many, Rue La La, just sold for $350 million to GSI Commerce, an e-commerce company which specializes in managing the sites of major retailers like ToysRUs.com and Zales.Continue reading...