Marketing Tactics

The 7% same-store sales increase Target reported in February was achieved with only a slight bump in promotional activity, according to the latest monthly data from research firm Market Track. Conversely, the number of ad pages that such competitors as Walmart and Kmart ran increased at twice the rate as Target, while Kohl’s and Macy’s declined. To view Market Track’s recap of February promotional activity at Target and other top retailers, click here.

New York City -- A report released Wednesday by Capital Business Credit said that importers who sell to America's major retailers are preparing for a significant uptick in consumer spending this spring and summer.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Pacific Sunwear of Calif. Inc. reported Tuesday that its loss for the quarter ended Jan. 28 widened to $38.1 million, compared with a net loss of $35.2 million a year earlier. Sales dipped 1% to $234.2 million from $237.6 million, missing Wall Street’s expected revenue of $245.9 million.

PacSun has been in the throes of a right-sizing effort, working to build sales while closing underperforming stores. The company closed 87 stores during fourth quarter and ended fiscal 2011 with 733 stores.

The number of eco-labels in the marketplace continues to grow. According to Ecolabelindex (http://www.ecolabelindex.com/, Oct 27), 426 labels circulate in 246 countries and 25 industries. Most commentators are quick to point out the negative consequences: consumer confusion, disinterest and mistrust. However, there is a growing wave of large companies that pursue product certification to appeal to and meet compliance demands from their B2B customers, including retailers.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR has honored Office Depot with the 2011 NASCAR Driving Business Award for its leadership  and results through their participation in the NASCAR Fuel for Business Council (NFFB). 

The award was bestowed upon NASCAR’s Official Office Supply Partner at a ceremony in Las Vegas during the most recent NFFB Council Meeting. Office Depot is also the co-primary sponsor of reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Tony Stewart, and the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet.

Boston -- Wifarer said Tuesday that it has partnered with Boston’s Prudential Center to deliver promotions and deals to customers based on their location inside the shopping center, as well as to provide insights into visitor traffic and venue usage.

Wifarer’s indoor positioning technology uses a venue’s WiFi infrastructure to pinpoint the inside location of a user’s smartphone within four and a half feet and without burdening large venues with extraneous hardware, infrastructure or extra WiFi needs.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney understands that transformation doesn't happen over night and that finding the right people to implement its strategy takes careful planning. The company's latest personnel changes come in the areas of merchandising, brand partnerships, brand makeover and store experience.

Lawrenceville, Ga. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group and its real estate platform The Mills announced that a newly expanded 20,000-sq.-ft. Forever 21 will open at its value retail destination Discover Mills, located in Atlanta.

The enlarged Forever 21 is slated to open summer 2012 near Entry 5 across from Nike Factory Store.

“An expanded and relocated Forever 21 enhances our value retail mix and the overall shopping experience at Discover Mills,” said Karl Woodard, general manager of Discover Mills.