Marketing Tactics

WASHINGTON - Gap Inc. announced that President Obama intends to appoint Bobbi Silten, chief foundation officer at Gap Inc., to serve on the White House Council for Community Solutions. The Council will provide advice to the President on the best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs.

Taking the long view of what is expected to be moderate consumer demand in the United States, it is apparent the primary sources of growth for retailers are to gain share from competitors and capture a larger share of wallet from existing customers. It’s why there is so much effort expended on the loyalty front, as retailers know success is dependent on keeping existing customers happy and rewarding them ever more generously for their loyalty.

Addison, Texas -- Coyote Management, LP and Garrison Investment Group, through their affiliates, announced they acquired Decatur Mall, in Decatur, Ala., and Lakeshore Mall, in Gainesville, Ga., in September and have made enhancements and changes to the properties.

A new corporate ad campaign for both malls was launched Nov. 1, and each mall has added a Customer Service Center, a new MasterCard gift-card program, children’s stroller program, new website and social media.

According to The NPD Group, 49% of respondents surveyed on holiday entertaining plans said they plan to entertain family or friends in their home during the upcoming holiday season. Furthermore, casual dinnerware sales growth in the double digits in the past 12 months ending September 2010 show that the trend is toward less formal dining. Sales in the formal fine dinnerware segment remain down year-over-year.

Thirty-two percent of respondents told NPD that they entertained at their home less over the past year than in previous years, however, 11% said they entertained more.

Despite the uncertain economic environment, retailers are continuing to invest in green measures, according to a new report by RSR Research. What’s more, the number of retailers who believe that environmentally responsible initiatives are born out of good business sense is on the rise, up to 61% in 2010 from 49% the previous year.

While such retailers as Kohl’s, Walmart and Office Depot were receiving accolades for their sustainability efforts the past few years, Target was seldom mentioned in the same breath. Target wasn’t exactly destroying the planet, but it was far less vocal and precise than others about its efforts in the area of sustainability. Not any more. The company last week established some clear goals regarding resource usage, waste elimination and carbon footprint reduction and a time frame in which to achieve them.

BOSTON - A recent survey regarding memorable product launches in 2010 found that -- not surprisingly -- the Apple iPad secured the number-one spot. At number two was Windows 7, followed by Pretzel M&Ms at number three, Motorola Droid at number four and McDonald's Smoothies rounding out the top five.

Making your NRF Show plans? Don’t forget to allow yourself time to check out the Big Apple’s exciting retail scene. Here’ s a quick hit list of the city’s newest retail stars: