Marketing Tactics

The chief marketing officer of J.C. Penney is leaving the company after two years on the job.   Mary Beth West is leaving the department store retailer on March 31 to become senior VP and chief growth officer of the Hershey Co. She will join Hershey on May 1.   West joined Penney in April 2015 after serving on the company’s board of directors for 10 years.   

A fashion blog is reporting that Walmart will acquire an online fashion brand known for its eclectic and quirky styles.   Walmart’s Jet.com division will acquire Modcloth, reported CNBC, which cited the Jezebel fashion blog. The report comes on the heels of Walmart’s acquisition in February of online outdoor apparel brand Moosejaw.    

A new app enhancement is helping Sephora shoppers complete their look.   By adding new augmented reality-based features to the Sephora Virtual Artist app, the chain enables shoppers users to virtually try on thousands of shades of single and palette eyeshadows directly through their mobile device. This service augments the app’s existing functionality that allows users to try on an assortment of lip colors and false eye lash styles.  

Vow To Be Chic is giving shoppers access to a new line of designer bridesmaids' dresses.   The two-year-old start-up, which allows women to shop for bridesmaids’ gowns via their desktop, laptop or smartphone, will add six of the best-selling gowns from Amsale's Nouvelle Amsale line. The partnership marks the designer’s debut in the gown rental segment.   

Destination XL is expanding its presence in North America.   The male apparel retailer is opening its first Canadian store in Ajax, Ontario. The 5,028-sq.-ft. location features more than 100 brands and thousands of styles from top designers, including Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Buffalo Jeans, Nautica, Levi’s and Cole Haan, as well as exclusive brands, such as Brooks Brothers and Lacoste. Private-label brands Harbor Bay, 28 Degrees, Oak Hill and True Nation, round out the assortment, DXL said.  

An increase in revenue and comparable store sales helped Tilly’s beat analyst expectations for the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, Tilly’s revenue was $160.2 million, an increase from $159.1 million last year. Net sales also topped Wall Street forecasts of $159.9 million. The chain also beat analyst predictions of earnings hitting 21 cents per share. Tilly’s posted a profit of 22 cents per share.  

Shoptalk has announced a partnership with the Retail Industry Leaders Association focused on RILA’s newly launched (R)Tech Center for Innovation.   Through the partnership, Shoptalk will support the (R)Tech Center for Innovation as a member of the (R)Tech Innovators Network.   

Shoppers will soon be able to personalize and accessorize the shoes they buy at DSW Inc.   The retailer has entered into a partnership with Trend:Bar, a new, Los Angeles-based  company that produces luxe fabric stickers, appliques, charms, shoelaces, patches, and creative add-ons that customers can use to personalize footwear and accessories.       Under the partnership, DSW will offer Trend:Bar items in select stores and on DSW.com.