Marketing Tactics

New York -- Virgin Mobile will open a flagship on Thursday in Chicago, the New York Times reported. The wireless company, which is owned by Sprint, hopes to build awareness of its brand by redefining the relationship between the customer and the carrier, according to the report.

New York -- A survey released Tuesday by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman-Sachs found that 42% of U.S. consumers expect to spend more on back-to-school items this year than they did in 2011.

With the back-to-school shopping season already well underway as one-third of households reported that they have begun to shop, ICSC and Goldman-Sachs expect the average household expenditure on all types of back-to-school items will be about $300 this year.

By Jeff Fowler, [email protected]

New York -- In an effort to reduce vehicle air pollution, Duane Reade, in partnership with Mission Electric, is asking New Yorkers to help determine which of the chain’s stores should be served solely by electric trucks. Combined, more than 30 stores have been identified as electric truck ready in the city’s boroughs of Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has launched an iPad app to help customers find everything they need for their next project.

“Our customers crave fresh inspiration delivered to them through a variety of means. What we have accomplished with the Jo-Ann app for iPad is consolidating all of these inspiration sources into one highly engaging experience called the Idea Center,” said Riddi Kline, SVP and chief marketing officer for Jo-Ann.

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Mobile retail navigation service aisle411 said Tuesday that it is rolling out its virtual mapping and navigation smartphone app for use in Walgreens’ 7,907 drug stores nationwide.

The service will allow Walgreens shoppers to use their smartphones to view maps of any Walgreens store and to locate products down to a particular section of each aisle.

Walgreens is the first national retailer with all of its stores mapped in a mobile application.

Dallas -- Davaco Inc. has promoted Tim Currier to VP business development.

In this role, Currier is responsible for identifying new business opportunities and building strategic partnerships with nationwide retail, restaurant and hospitality brands. He reports to Paul Hamer, executive VP business development.
 

Two U.S. toy companies have a shot at exclusive distribution with Meijer this holiday season thanks to a innovative contest announced Monday.

The retailer unveiled details of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest designed to give two small U.S. toymakers the chance to have their toy receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season.