Marketing Tactics

Atlanta -- Mother Nature Network and Walmart are teaming up to launch an online destination (mnn.com/leaderboard) that profiles the biggest innovations in sustainability – and the pioneers who are creating them.

MAHWAH, N.J. — Sharp achieved the top U.S. market share in the 60"+ LED TV segment in 2012, according to The NPD Group's Retail Tracking Service. According to the company, the increase in market share between 2010 and 2012 was due to its selection of large screen choices, picture quality performance and brand strength, Sharp more than doubled its market share between 2010 and 2012 (based on revenue share).

New York -- Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Cost Plus World Market has launched Victorian Isles, its new spring 2013 collection of home décor and furniture available now through March 2013.

The collection is inspired by the Victorian Era and will incorporate wicker, botany and fauna design elements that were popular during that period. The collection will also feature new furniture shapes, home décor pieces and garden-inspired textiles.

New York -- J.C. Penney is changing course on its no-sales policy. It was just one year ago that the retailer, amid much fanfare, announced it was nearly eliminating sales events from its stores in favor of a three-tier pricing strategy and everyday low pricing. But on Monday the Associated Press reported that J.C. Penney is not only bringing back sales promotions to its stores, but will also add price tags or signs for approximately half of its merchandise that will show the "manufacturer's suggested retail price" next to J.C.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — GameStop announced that it is now offering NET10 unlimited talk, text and data service at all U.S. GameStop stores. 

In addition to pairing up with NET10, and just in time for tax refund season, GameStop has launched the “Re-Fun Your Refund” promotion that runs through March 2, 2013. From new to pre-owned, customers can choose from the best games, gaming consoles, headsets, mobile electronics and more.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters announced plans to open a series of vertically owned and operated-stores in Mexico, with the first location set to open on February 20, 2013, in Mexico City.
   
The store will be located in the Perisur’s shopping center, a mall located in the south part of Mexico City. Each AEO store will include an Aerie presence either in shop-in-shop or side-by-side form.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target has revealed its exclusive partnerships, own brands and limited collections that Canadian consumers can look forward to experiencing once the retailer opens its first stores in the country this spring.