Marketing Tactics

St. Paul, Minnesota - Shopping center developer and manager Paster Enterprises has rebranded to Paster Properties, and has debuted a new look and website. 

By Christopher Lester, Emma   If you’re like me, you might still be in denial over the date on the calendar. But it’s true: The holidays are well upon us. Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But let’s be honest: It’s also one of the most stressful times of the year, and the busiest to boot.  

Ann Inc. President and CEO Kay Krill cited a number of factors that caused the company to report its first decline in same-store sales in 10 quarters.

By Jason Becker, RICS Software   Retailers – take a step back from Black Friday weekend this year.    I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t move forward with your promotions and sales. Everyone knows that Black Friday weekend can be one of the most profitable times of the year for retailers. But relying too much on this crazy weekend of shopping to generate holiday season profits is a big mistake.  

In an effort to create even more buzz for its holiday promotions, Macy’s will give away $1 million in prizes during Black Friday weekend.  

Using the Macy’s mobile app, customers shopping in-store will be able to scan QR codes to enter the giveaway during doorbuster hours, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day through 1 p.m. on Nov. 28, and then again on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Increased selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses helped drive Stein Mart Inc. to a net loss of $1.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to net income of $28,000 in the same quarter a year earlier. Despite this push into the red, Stein Mart plans to open open at least 10 new stores and relocate two stores in 2015, as well as close two stores.  

As the pet supply industry continues to experience record growth, Petco is looking to expand its online offerings to include prescription services and more premium products.

Petco has agreed to acquire Drs. Foster & Smith, a Wisconsin-based online pet store founded by veterinarians. Drs. Foster & Smith specializes in pet care and education and is known for veterinary expertise on prescription medications and premium products for dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, horses and small animals.

Denver – An estimated 28% of consumers plan to do most of their holiday shopping at mass retailers, compared to 26% who will frequent online retailers. According to an ongoing shopper behavior study conducted by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research, free shipping continues to be the most popular offer for holiday shoppers, with 58% of shoppers reporting they expect to take advantage of it this holiday season.