Check out Wal-Mart’s newest collaboration.

The discount giant is bringing out a new line of $20 and under clothing and accessories called Miley Cyrus & Max Azria.  Yes, that Max Azria, the one behind lines such as BCBG, is heading to the discount market.  Cyrus, best known for the hit ”Hannah Montana” show, is already among the top-selling recording artists at Wal-Mart, the retailer said.

The items will hit stores and Walmart’s website in early August.  Walmart will also be the title sponsor of Cyrus’ concert tour.  Tickets go on sale later this month.

Wonder if shareholders at Wal-Mart’s annual meeting later this week will get a sneak peek fashion show.  According to the blogosphere, Cyrus wasn’t wearing a Max Azria creation at last weekend’s MTV Movie Awards.

Also in the basket:

Williams-Sonoma loss smaller than expected

Starbucks revamps bakery food ingredients

Trying to Pitch Products to the Savers (New York Times)

(Reuters photo)

Millions of Americans were cheering this morning as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, and one U.S. retailer was likely grinning ear to ear.
    
J Crew made an impression on the steps of the Capitol, as all three Obama females sported items made by the New York-based clothing company. 
    
Michelle Obama waved to the crowds — and held the Lincoln Bible — wearing a pair of olive green gloves by J Crew, while daughters Malia and Sasha sported coats from the company’s kids’ line, Crewcuts, in periwinkle and “sweet guava,” i.e. pink.

It may have been the first time a U.S. First Lady wore J Crew in an official capacity, though Michelle Obama had already shown her affinity for the brand during Barack’s presidential campaign, opting for a yellow sweater and skirt ensemble during an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”  
    
J Crew was also the choice of the Obama family at the Kids’ Inaugural Concert on Monday that featured performances by Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. 

The J Crew website in the afternoon of the inauguration flashed a “Congratulations to the First Family” message with no other mention of the free advertising provided by the Obamas.

But don’t go searching the website today for anything you liked. Those of us searching to buy a piece of the inaugural glamour will just have to wait, said a J Crew spokeswoman.
    
The pieces worn by Michelle, Malia and Sasha were designed specifically for the events, and won’t be available to the rest of us until fall.

For a story on the First Lady’s inaugural outfit, designed by Isabel Toledo, click here.

(Photo: Reuters)

As retailers look for ever-cleverer ways to spur sales, Wal-Mart has teamed with Disney to offer free wake-up calls from Hannah Montana, (a.k.a. Miley Cyrus), as part of its back-to-school marketing push. 

How can a wake-up call spur sales?

Well, not only are parents given the option to sign up to send their child a wake-up call, they can also send their child a reminder that it is time to do some back-to-school shopping.

“Be a Superstar and get your things together!” states the website where parents can sign up for the alerts.

Wal-Mart has taken a big bet with Hannah. It has teamed with Disney to be the “retail headquarters” for Hannah Montana merchandise and has set up ”Hannah Montana Shops” in 750 Wal-Mart stores across the U.S.

Wal-Mart says parents can buy an entire back-to-school Hannah Montana-themed wardrobe for their child in its stores, including enough tops,  shorts, socks and accessories for one week of school.

Wal-Mart said that in order to sign up to send the wake-up calls, registrants must be 18 years or older. While there is no cost to sign up for the calls and they’re available anytime through Sept. 15, standard mobile phone charges may apply.

(Photo: Reuters)