Marketing

Political feelings aside, the fact remains: When Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated as our nation’s first official female presidential candidate, history was made. It sets a tone for all going forward — women can achieve anything they have the determination to pursue, regardless of the industry.   

It was in 1983 that Steve Lemmon and David Rubenzer brought on Ray Barton as a partner to franchise the cheap haircut concept they started on the University of Minnesota campus. They chose well. Barton’s wife Mary Lou was one of the first franchisees, and Barton himself remains chairman of the board as the company celebrates the opening of its 4,000th franchise in Flat Rock, Michigan.   “The company continues to grow with happy franchisees who open multiple salons,” said Great Clips CEO Rhoda Olsen.  

As the loyalty landscape heats up, TJX Companies is renewing its existing program to remain competitive.   The off-price retailer announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with Synchrony, a move that will continue to support financing for its five-year-old Rewards Credit Card program.   

Arsenal Park, an often overlooked historical site in Pittsburgh, is now destined to re-emerge as Arsenal 201, a residential and retail project.   Milhous Development broke ground last week on the $100 million first phase of the project, which encompasses and entire block between 39th and 49th Streets in the city’s Lawrenceville section. That was the site of the Allegheny Arsenal, a key manufacturing and supply facility for the Union Army where an 1862 explosion took the lives of 78 workers -- the largest civilian disaster of the war.

Amazon gave some very special visitors a tour of its top secret drone testing laboratory in Cambridge, England.  

Apple has re-opened its 12-year-old London flagship after a major overhaul that reflects the company’s updated store strategy.     Located on Regent Street, the redone space has an airy look and natural feel, with an open glass façade, high ceilings, oversized windows and plenty of room to move around. The increased ceiling height allowed for the addition of twelve Ficus Ali trees, complete with planters that double as a comfortable place to sit. Two “living” walls are covered with greenery.

Clint Pierce is joining Shoe Carnival as its VP, divisional merchandise manager for athletic footwear.   Pierce, who will oversee the athletic footwear category for the entire enterprise, will report to Carl Scibetta, executive VP, chief merchandising officer.    Most recently, Pierce served as senior VP, general merchandise manager for footwear and apparel at Sports Authority.   

Macy’s on Friday became the first department store retailer to open an in-store Apple shop.   The shop is located on the main floor of Macy’s New York City flagship in Herald Square. Similar to in-store Apple shops at Best Buy, it features light wood tables. The product line-up includes iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple watches.