Marketing Tactics

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has revealed a new back-to-school advertising campaign featuring multi-faceted actor, comedian and host of "America’s Got Talent," Nick Cannon. The campaign showcases Office Depot’s technology and fashion assortment to help students “Be Ncredible” this school year.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Once again, consumers are putting off back-to-school shopping until the last minute, but retailers can take solace in the fact that they intend to spend more this year.

According to NPD's survey, 31% of respondents said they plan to spend more this year, compared with 22% who made that claim in 2011. The number of consumers who plan to spend less went from 38% in 2011 to 24% this year, while those who plan to spend the same rose from 40% to 46%.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has sold its interest in Simon Property Group, L.P. back to Simon Property Group Inc. for $248 million in cash, helping the company get back on financial track.

LOS ANGELES — Back-to-school shoppers plan on stretching their dollar and taking advantage of retailer incentives to save, PriceGrabber said.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro reported that net revenues for the quarter were $811.5 million, a decrease of 11%, compared with $908.5 million in 2011. Second quarter 2012 net revenues declined 7% excluding a negative $34.4 million impact of foreign exchange.

Net earnings for the second quarter 2012 were $43.4 million, or 33 cents per diluted share, versus $58.1 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, in 2011.

BURNABY, B.C. — Best Buy Canada and its subsidiary Future Shop are taking the issue of online competition head on with revised price match and return policies in response to the changing nature of retail in Canada and commitment to customer service.

Katy, Texas -- Soma Intimates said it will open a new boutique at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, located in Katy, Texas.

The new store is slated to open July 23.

A joint venture of Houston-based Vista Equities Group and Denver-based Amstar Group, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a mixed-use town center development located within the 7,600-acre master planned community of Cinco Ranch.

Phase I of LaCenterra opened March 1, 2007 with approximately 170,000 sq. ft.
 

Lakewood, Colo. -- Outlet and value shopping center Colorado Mills announced the hiring of Deborah Celaya as director of marketing and business development.

In her new role, Celaya will be responsible for strategic marketing, business development, public relations, tenant relations, guest services and tourism.

Celaya most recently held a senior executive position at Race Partners, and has previously served as group VP for General Growth Properties.