KIA CANADA TO CREATE ONLINE COMMUNITY

Kia Canada, which markets a line of value-priced cars that are manufactured in Korea, plans to launch a Web site communicating the youthful and edgy profile of its brand. The site, which is being created by Toronto-based Nkaos Interactive Media, will integrate video, Flash animation and QuickTime VR and focus largely on the personal experiences of Kia drivers. Site features include links to customer digests, road trip profiles and an interactive ‘Create Your Own Car’ feature.

EMPORI.COM EXPANDS ITS OFFERINGS

Add leather goods, toys and jewelry to the growing list of items consumers can now order online and pick up in person at Empori.com’s delivery depots. The Toronto firm has signed partnership agreements with Danier Leather, ToyBoutique.com and Ben Moss Jewelers. The service allows consumers to order products online and pick up their purchases at depots across Toronto’s downtown core. Other retailers on Empori.com’s site include HMV, Chapters, GroceryGateway.com, and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. The company has plans to open locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Houston and Dallas, Tex. over the next five months.

SUBURBAN MALL WOOS TEENS WITH AFFINITY CARD

The Bramalea City Centre, a regional shopping centre in Brampton, Ont., is piloting an affinity card program, called ‘Have it All’, that targets 12- to 16-year-olds with offers of gifts, discounts and gift certificates at participating mall retailers. As a further incentive, teens who register are rewarded with a $5 gift certificate ($10 if they sign up with a parent) and a chance to win one of six Game Boys. The three-week pilot program, created by G/COMM Marketing, is being supported with direct mail, in-mall and print advertising.

CANADIAN TIRE MONEY GOES ELECTRONIC

After years of rewarding cash-paying shoppers with its small-denomination shinplasters, Canadian Tire has now extended its Canadian Tire money program to its credit card holders. Shoppers using the Canadian Tire credit card to make in-store purchases will be rewarded with 20% more Canadian Tire money than if they had paid by cash or debit. The money accrues electronically on the card and can be redeemed like cash within the stores. There are currently no plans to phase out paper-based Canadian Tire money, which was introduced in 1961.