Marketing Tactics

New York -- Macy’s shoppers will be able to see it, scan it, shop it this holiday season with the chain’s upcoming integration of NantMobile’s iD visual recognition technology. The new Macy’s Star Gifts app, powered by iD, empowers mobile shoppers to leverage visual recognition technology to purchase items from Macy’s Star Gifts assortment while on the go. Whether they scan it from a catalog, magazine ad or even from an outdoor billboard, Macy’s will deliver mobile access to product information, gift-giving assistance and much more.

New York -- Target is celebrating the launch of Sonia Kashuk's new line bath and body products collection with a larger-than-life art installation and pop-up store in New York City's Grand Central Station. The centerpiece of the space is a gleaming white bathtub on a platform that is raised some eight feet off the floor. A live model sits in the tub, which is surrounded by bubble-like balloons.
 
The new line, which includes shower gels, body lotions, loofas and shower caps, is on display in the pop-up and available for sale.

New York – Nespresso is opening an in-store “Boutique-in-Shop” at the Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street in New York City. Nespresso coffee specialists will be present to offer demonstrations of Nespresso machines and guide customers through the profiles of the 21 Grand Cru coffees.

This is the second Nespresso Boutique-in-Shop within a Macy's store.

Austin, Texas -- Starting in November, Whole Foods Market stores nationwide will host DIY craft tutorials, with local artists from Etsy’s seller community. Shoppers can also find exclusive step-by-step DIY projects from Etsy’s creative community in Whole Foods Market’s 2013 Holiday Guide, available in stores and online.

Duck Tape brand duct tape is joining forces with Fiskars Corp. to introduce a new line of scissors for crafting.

“Both Duck brand duct tape and Fiskars share a commitment to creating innovative products that help people express their creativity,” Fiskars VP brand marketing Jay Gillespie said. “This partnership is a perfect fit, and we’re looking forward to giving enthusiasts tools that make creating with Duck Tape easier than ever before.”

The scissors will be available at select retailers June 2014.

By Ken Nisch, [email protected]

LeapFrog Enterprises is rolling into the holiday with its strongest product lineup ever but concerns about consumer spending have the leading educational entertainment company tempering its view of fourth quarter sales.

Falls Church, Va. -- Ridemakerz, the build-a-car retailer, will open a 1,300-sq.-ft. in-store shop at FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue, on Nov. 11. A highlight of the space will be the Ridemakerz “build table” where customers can assemble their cars, attaching the body of the car to the chassis and adding custom rims and tires.