Marketing Tactics

LOS ANGELES — IBISWorld predicted Valentine's Day will boost retail sales in a new report.

The independent market and research firm said that consumers are expected to spend 5.8% more on Valentine’s Day purchases this year than last year, totaling $18.6 billion, or about $125 per person.

Big gains will be seen across all categories. Jewelry is expected to see an 11.3% boost, greeting cards and candy are projected to grow 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively, and clothing and lingerie should see a 3.4% rise.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Walmart, the presenting sponsor of the America I AM: The African-American Imprint tour, will offer specially-priced tickets at select Walmart stores in the Washington, D.C. area.

Walmart is offering tickets at the lowest available price: $10 for adults and $5 for children, or 17% off standard ticket prices.

America I AM is a four-year touring museum exhibition that celebrates nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to this country.

Beachwood, Ohio -- Developers Diversified Realty Corp. announced a new gift-card partnership with MasterCard Worldwide in Puerto Rico.

The MasterCard program, called the Isla Plus Card, represents an extension of a significant, long-term partnership between the two companies in Puerto Rico. The Isla Plus Card is designed to promote even greater acceptance among merchants and consumers, and provide the flexibility consumers demand in gift-card programs.

CHICAGO — It seems that private-label brands are getting a sterling reputation among shoppers.

According to new research by Mintel, consumers have taken notice of private-label companies' "better-for-you" products and attractive packaging, as 44% of grocery shoppers believe store-brand products are of better quality today than they were five years ago. What's more, 39% of respondents said they would recommend purchasing a store-brand product.

WARREN, Mich. -- Art Van Furniture announced that, for the first time in company history, it will grand open three stores in one day. On January 22, 2011, Art Van will celebrate the grand openings of three new stores  in Auburn Hills, Petoskey and Onaway. Mich.

WASHINGTON -- Walmart joined First Lady Michelle Obama in Washington today to unveil a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. 

The program will involve five key elements:

Washington, D.C. -- An endorsement by First Lady Michelle Obama of its new food nutrition and health initiative has helped to propel Wal-Mart Stores forward in its plans to remove political obstacles to further U.S. growth.

The new healthy food drive, in which Walmart is reformulating its Great Value private-label foods to reduce sodium and sugar contents, was announced on Thursday at a community center in a low-income area of Washington, D.C. It was attended by the First Lady, who also leads an administration initiative to fight childhood obesity.

A new poll regarding Walmart's possible entry in New York yielded quite different responses than the one the world's largest retailer featured on its promotional website. According to the New York Daily News, a survey of 300 small retail shop owners throughout the city overwhelmingly said they would not welcome a Walmart in their neighborhood.