Marketing Tactics

New York -- In a partnership with the U.K.-based retailer PC World, Google has opened its first-ever physical retail space, a pop-up shop in London.  It will be open for three months. 

The small,  285-sq.-ft. shop, called Chrome Zone, is devoted to Samsung’s ultra-portable Chrome OS-powered Chromebook computer and related accessories.  The space  has a high-tech look and is decked out in Google’s signature colors. 

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway announced that Portland, Ore. has been named "America's Most Natural City." The city earned the title by garnering the most votes on Facebook.  As a result, Portland will receive a donation of $20,000 and 25 picnic tables constructed from the Guinness World Record holder for the World's Longest Picnic Table. 

Los Angeles — A survey released Monday by PriceGrabber, a part of Experian, found that consumers plan to spend the same or less on 2011 holiday shopping.

According to the survey, 45% of consumers intend to spend less money during the 2011 winter holiday shopping season than they did in 2010. Forty-nine percent of consumers will spend the same amount that they spent last year, and only 7% plan to spend more this year.

Conducted from Sept. 7–15, 2011, the survey includes responses from 3,070 U.S. online shopping consumers.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Sam's Club will offer  a limited 15-week membership for $15.  

The seasonal membership is available for purchase during regular club hours for a limited time between Oct. 4 and 10.

LOS ANGELES — The state of the economy continues to impact consumers' holiday shopping decisions as many plan to spend less or the same this year.

Milford, Conn. — Subway said Monday that it opened more than 400 sandwich shops during August and September in 44 countries, 36 U.S. states and seven Canadian provinces.

The new restaurants account for more than 480,000 sq. ft. of retail space and bring the total number of Subways to just over 35,300 locations in 98 countries.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway's annual fundraising initiative to benefit breast cancer research once again has commenced.

New York City -- The nation’s first lady did some shopping Thursday at a Target store in Alexandria, Va.

Mrs. Obama was casually dressed and virtually incognito with a baseball cap and sunglasses. She spent about 30 to 40 minutes in the store, according to reports, and was accompanied by an assistant.