Design of venue locations is as important as the look of the product itself, and knowing that celebrated international brands from time to time revamp the store design of its major retail stores (Nike, Converse, Burger King and Levi’s to name a few). D-ash Design, a New York-based environmental design firm, has created new interiors in dark browns and bright creams for new flagship venues of international chocolate-maker Godiva, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year.

On March 2, in Korea, adidas opened the first women’s specific retail store whose new concept and image aims to be a trendsetter for adidas retail worldwide. This new and exciting sport and style destination designed especially for women, stands for a personalized service of advice whilst the purchase of the functional and attractive designed adidas Women collections, making it a trend-setter of a new way of shopping.

For the first time in its history, a VoIP solution provider Skype launches advertising module integrated in its software. The ads to be published in Skype will feature multimedia functionality and include video, audio and the ability to call the advertiser as well as integration with the most popular social media websites. According to adrants.com, the size of the homepage ad will measure 650 X 170 and will expand to 650 X 340.

This March, Starbucks is turning 40, and to celebrate the occasion, the coffee giant is launching the new Starbucks Tribute blend, rolling out the borderless logo today, March 8, and announcing a bunch of activities to make the neighborhoods thrive. For the ‘volunteering’ part of the of anniversary celebrations, the brand is calling its community-minded consumers to spend a couple of hours improving their towns and cities throughout the month of April, a Global Month of Service at Starbucks.

Reese Witherspoon launches the Avon Women’s Empowerment Bracelet to honor the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day today, on March 8. The new bracelet, part of the Avon Women’s Empowerment product collection, is accessibly priced at just $10.00 each. One hundred percent of net profits ($8.04 for each bracelet sold) will benefit Avon Foundation for Women programs dedicated to ending violence against women.

Formerly a grungy, nameless no-man’s land that flanks Koreatown to the north and the Flatiron District to the south, Madison Square Park and environs have recently emerged as a chic, trendy, young enclave—worthy of a Bond No. 9 eau de parfum. Here, tony new restaurants, penthouse bars, boutiques, and boutique hotels mingle with the Asian bodywork salons and countless costume jewelry wholesalers and the manicure joints that dot the neighborhood.