Kmart launches financial empowerment campaign for African-Americans

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is marking Black History Month in February with a financial empowerment campaign aimed at African-Americans, the mass merchandise retailer said Wednesday.

Kmart said it would partner with Essence Magazine senior editor for personal finance and careers Tanisha Sykes for the sixth-annual Share the Word campaign.

"Financial empowerment is extremely important within the African-American community," Sykes said. "This year's Share the Word campaign will provide the tools, information and resources to help pave the road to financial success."

Kmart will use social networking platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and its own shopyourway.com website, where Shop Your Way loyalty card members can enter a sweepstakes to win tax preparation services from Jackson Hewitt. The campaign will close on Feb. 23 with an in-store event in Hyattsville, Md., including interactive financial discussions, special discounts for attendees, prizes and giveaways.

"Kmart embraces diversity and inclusion throughout the year," Kmart interim chief marketing officer Andrew Stein said. "We are always looking for ways to reach our audiences with programs that resonate and provide value."

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