Marketing Tactics

Chicago -- Survey results released Tuesday by BDO USA revealed that 51% of retail finance chiefs foresee a 5.9% increase in online sales for full-year 2012.

That compares to 4.1% and 4.5% expected increases in same-store sales and total sales, respectively.

The BDO Retail Compass Survey of CFOs, which examined the opinions of 100 CFOs at leading retailers located throughout the country, found that CFO sentiments were conservative compared to last year, when the respondents predicted 11.9% online sales growth.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us has stepped up its efforts to be the destination for holiday shopping this season by offering a price match guarantee on all items available in its Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide. 

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation released its 2012 holiday forecast on Tuesday, which shows sales increasing 4.1% to $586.1 billion, down from last year's 5.6% growth.

However, the NRF's 2012 estimate tops the 10-year holiday sales growth average of 3.5%.

San Diego, Calif. -- Audio products company Parametric Sound Corp. said Tuesday that Build-A-Bear Workshop will include its directed sound product in six newly designed stores that will be opened across the U.S. this year.  

The HyperSound product will allow Build-A-Bear to simultaneously operate multiple interactive kiosks within the store, each playing its own specific audio message.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is offering its customers a new way to load money onto prepaid cards.

New York -- Smartphone and Internet users actively seek out and prefer to engage with mobile-friendly sites, but such sites must meet certain expectations in order to convert users from visitors to consumers, according to a Google study conducted by independent market research firms Sterling Research and SmithGeiger.

NEW YORK — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Macy's is selling a special I.N.C. International Concepts lace top with part of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The I.N.C. International Concepts lace top for $59.50, available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com/pink. During the month of October, 5% of the purchase price will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Skechers will once again feature Hall of Fame quarterback in its campaign for its "Relaxed Fit" footwear. Montana’s spot will follow Mark Cuban’s televised launch of the brand, and will be followed by Tommy Lasorda’s own unique Relaxed Fit commercial in 2013, as part of a triple sport celebrity campaign for the new men’s comfort footwear collection.