Marketing Tactics

When Simon opened the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in 1992, the Las Vegas Strip was still a place where one could find $2 blackjack tables and $1.99 steak dinners. Simon Properties took a chance, brought luxury retail to the Strip, and helped pioneer full-price retail on the famed boulevard.  

West Elm will be opening its first Fort Worth location in rebranded urban retail development in the town’s Cultural District.   Heretofore known as West 7th, The Woodmont Company decided to call upon a more colorfully named street in the neighborhood to rebrand the shopping and entertainment district as Crockett Row at West 7th.  

An online start-up has turned to a traditional retailer to help grown its brand.    Target Corp. has entered into a partnership with Casper, an online brand credited with disrupting the mattress category. Target will start selling the brand’s mattresses and other products, including a few exclusive items, beginning on June 18.    

The National Retail Federation continues to lead the charge against the consumption tax and the proposed border adjustment tax.   The NRF on Thursday today urged Congress to focus on updating the existing federal income tax system rather than moving toward a consumption tax. Under either approach, Congress should reject a proposed $1 trillion border adjustment tax that would drive up prices for consumers and cost the economy jobs, NRF said.  

While handbags and purses have historically been considered a “risky gift,” times are a’ changin.’   In fact, handbags and purses were the most popular gift for Mother’s Day 2017, representing six of the top 10 gifts for the holiday. Overall, the accessories category led the top gifts purchased for Mother’s Day, according to data from Loop Commerce. Results were based on sales made on the company’s GiftNow platform.  

Apple wants to give its shoppers more reasons to visit its stores than to make a purchase or visit the Genius Bar.  

Some good news for retailers: Consumers plan to spend more than ever on graduation gifts this year as they stuff greeting cards with gift cards and cash.   That’s according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. With more consumers buying for graduates this year – 36% compared with 34% in 2016 – total spending is expected to reach $5.6 billion. That’s the highest number in the survey’s 11-year history, topping last year’s previous record of $5.4 billion.

Nutella is setting up shop on Michigan Avenue.   Ferrero, the makers of the popular hazelnut spread, will open their first owned and operated restaurant, Nutella Café, on May 31. The two-level café is located one block from Millennium Park.