When products earn high ratings from Consumer Reports, the nonprofit founded in 1936 whose independent reviews subject products to rigorous testing, that comes with serious bragging rights. How much brands can brag about those ratings, however, has long been restricted by CR’s “No Commercial Use Policy,” which for decades prohibited any mention of a rating in advertising.

In recent years, as consumer advocacy website Mouseprint reported in June, it has relaxed that prohibition. Now brands may mention CR ratings in ads—as long as they pay for the privilege.

But far from the creatively excerpted film reviews on movie posters, brands that pay to cite reviews in ads agree to restrictions that preclude cherry-picking, meaning brands end up highlighting the flaws that CR found with their products, too.

Is it worth it for brands to pay to show positive ratings from Consumer Reports if it has to show its shortcomings, too? And how does the nonprofit allow its content to be used commercially without alienating subscribers who cherish its independence?

Keep reading here.—AAN

Iconic Collection welcomes you to the cutting-edge world of luxury brands and experiences.

More than just shopping centers, these are destinations for the next generation of consumers where traditional retail is reimagined through innovation, sustainability, community partnerships, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Each Iconic Collection property provides visitors with high-profile retailers, eclectic culinary feats, and cultural concepts in inspiring settings. Furthermore, Iconic magazine extends this mission and commitment to print. Every issue examines the world of fashion, tech, retail, and beyond.

Uncover upcoming trends, meet industry game changers, learn the art and story behind each Iconic Collection property, and so much more.

Target is holding a chain-wide “Denim Take Back Event” from August 4–10, allowing customers to recycle up to five articles of used denim from any brand in any condition for a 20% promo code off new denim apparel. The retail giant is pitching the event as a way to reduce waste and save money in time for back-to-school shopping.

“Our new Denim Take Back Event is an easy way for families to give their used denim a new life,” Gena Fox, Target’s SVP of merchandising for apparel and accessories, said in a statement. “With back-to-school and college shopping top of mind for families, we’re offering this 20% off Target Circle deal to make it even more affordable for our guests to refresh their denim wardrobes, while also doing our part to reduce waste and keep used denim out of landfills.”

Target said the event is a response to growing demand from consumers for programs that reduce waste and encourage more sustainable practices.

Keep reading here.—AV

When the change enablement team at Whole Foods needed to quickly and easily produce operations and special project trainings for its more than 500 locations, it turned to Vyond, an AI-powered video creation platform.

Jason Ferguson, principal learning and development (L&D) analyst at Whole Foods, told HR Brew that his team wanted a product that was simple and easy to use, and wherein content could be repurposed quickly because no two stores are the same.

“We needed a tool that [would] give us the ability to be versatile,” he said. “In order to capture all of those audiences, we definitely need something that is able to show maybe a smaller footprint store and then quickly switch to a medium, to then a large one. So with the templates in Vyond and various other tools, it’s easy to gear the training towards that specific audience and make it a little more customized.”

Keep reading here on HR Brew.—AD