Marketing Tactics

New York -- Kohl’s, Nordstrom and Target  ranked first in their categories in a new survey by Harris Interactive The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend (EQ) study surveyed Americans about brands across several retail segments, revealing which brands prompted them to open their hearts—and consequently—their pocketbooks.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots is recognizing Armed Forces Day by offering a special discount for armed forces personnel and their families. On Saturday, May 19, all active, reserve, and retired service members will receive a 10% discount on their qualifying in-store purchases by presenting military identification. The discount can also be applied to sale and clearance items.

Toronto -- Golf Town, Canada's largest specialty golf retailer, will acquire Golfsmith International Holdings Inc. for approximately $97.2 million. The Canadian company will pay $6.10 per share in cash, which represents a 30% premium over the Austin, Texas-based Golfsmith’s Friday closing stock price of $4.71.

Golfsmith operates 85 stores in the United States.

Los Angeles -- Lorna Jane, the premier Australian activewear brand for women, will open its second U.S. location, in Marina del Rey, Calif., this month. 

The company’s other U.S. location opened in March 2012, in Malibu, Calif. A third flagship store is scheduled to open in June in Santa Monica, and an online retail store will launch later this year.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paul Frank is partnering with Babies"R"Us to launch all-new Small Paul designs that will be available exclusively at Babies"R"Us stores nationwide beginning May 23. The joining of these two brands, which are both distinguished and playful in nature, is sure to create buzz among moms and fans of all ages.

The line will include apparel and accessories, available in sizes 0 to 5T, as well Small Paul-branded bags, backpacks, footwear and hosiery, and plush toys.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods is rewarding customer that live a green lifestyle through its new app it created with Whole Planet Foundation and BlueAvocado.

Austin, Texas — Whole Foods is rewarding customers that live a green lifestyle through a new app it created with Whole Planet Foundation and BlueAvocado.

Dallas -- Loyalty and marketing solutions provider Alliance Data Systems Corp. said Thursday that it has signed a multi-year agreement to create and manage a new private-label credit card program for online jewelry retailer Blue Nile.