Marketing Tactics

PHILADELPHIA — Pep Boys has been named as the exclusive distributor of Barett Jackson car care products within its new automobile restoration system.

The three-part automobile restoration system – which includes abrasives, paint and car care – is now available in at Pep Boys locations across the country and offers car collectors and enthusiasts an easy, unique way to complete the restoration of car projects from start to finish.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is responding to changing trends affecting the "back-to-school" experience with a number initiatives designed to meet the needs of its consumers.

According to Kmart, more public schools are requiring uniforms and others are now adopting a year-round school calendar. In response, Kmart has adjusted its approach to back-to-school by increasing the number of stores that sell uniforms and aligning its back-to-school sales periods by region to match that of the local school districts.

MISSISSAUGA, ON — Walmart Canada got some key insights into its core shoppers when it surveyed more than 2,000 Canadian moms with children under 18. And while the survey may have targeted Canadian shoppers, the results can easily be applied to shoppers in the United States.

San Diego -- EcoATM, a start-up known for its innovative kiosks that fully automates the buy-back of used mobile phones and other portable electronics, has made its first major expansion outside of California by installing 28 kiosks in malls throughout Texas. The automated kiosks, which are typically located in malls and grocery stores, allow people to exchange their used or broken electronics, ranging from iPhones to MP3 players, for cash.

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Lucky's Q took home the Midwest regional title in the Sam's Club National BBQ tour.

Based in Denver, Iowa, Lucky Q's competed with teams from Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota at the Aug. 4 regional event in Rockford, Ill.

Atlanta -- First Data Corp. announced that Bank of America Merchant Services will offer the First Data OfferWise solution to all eligible merchants’ 650,000 U.S. locations through 2Go Media’s iDeals Marketing Platform.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's is honoring the gold-medal-winning U.S. women's gymnastic team by featuring them on their Corn Flakes cereal box.

Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and Jordyn Wieber of the "Fierce Five" will be featured on special-edition boxes of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which will be on shelves this fall. 

Austin, Texas -- A survey released Tuesday by coupon site RetailMeNot.com found that nearly 80% of parents spend up to $500 per child for back-to-school shopping.

Additionally, the survey – which was conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs – found that the majority of parents get the jump on the school year by starting their shopping in July and August (54%) versus after the school year begins.

A significant number of parents, 29%, find the back-to-school shopping experience to be either annoying or stressful.