Experts address how to use service centers to improve sales, designing a direct mail ad and mesauring customer loyalty.

Battered by a weak economy and tightening credit, Circuit City today said it would close 155 US stores and will reduce future openings. The closures will result in the loss of about 17% of its workforce. According to its Web site, the company had 42,974 employees as of February, so the cuts could mean up to about 7,300 jobs.

Facingacountry in financial turmoil and consumers who are increasingly keeping their wal­lets closed, several major retailers announced aggressive holiday marketing programs last week that start earlier than previous years.

In 1972's The Candidate, Robert Redford plays an idealistic young politician who is shocked to discover that his campaign manager is using consumer marketing to drive his candidacy. Years later, we're real­izing that not only do candidates need to be sold like brands, but brands need to be sold like candidates. The reason? People don't buy brands, they join them.

Kohl's Department Stores has increased its investment in direct mail, digital advertising and e-mail for its holiday marketing program this year. The far-reaching campaign also includes aggressive promotions, TV, radio ads, gift card kiosks and advertising targeting the Hispanic market.

Overstock.com Inc. has reported a third quarter net loss of $1.6 million on revenue of $186.9 million, compared with a net loss of $5.6 million on revenue of $160 million in the same quarter the prior year. Total revenue grew by 16.8%.

Wal-Mart is bringing its value pricing strategy to the MP3 category, selling select tracks for 74 cents. Wal-Mart will also offer a free MP3 "track of the week" and offer a free MP3 download to consumers who purchase a CD in store or online.

Consumer confidence fell to all-time low in October, according to the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. The monthly survey of 5,000 US households reflects the impact of the financial crisis over the last several weeks. The index now stands at 38, down from 61.4 in September.

Television and digital media company LIN TV's Hartford-New Haven, CT-based stations WTNH-TV (ABC) and WCTX-TV will participate in Backchannelmedia's TV-to-Internet Click Through market trial. Participants in the trial can press a button on their TV remote controls when prompted by a small icon on the screen during both advertising and news content.

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System's integrated campaign cleans up; Power-Save Energy Co.'s DRTV campaign shines; and Tappening's political approach opens the tap on results.