Marketing Tactics

  The Fung Global Retail & Technology team visited 35 stores throughout the Greater New York City area and Las Vegas on Black Friday for a first-hand view on traffic and sales.  Here are their top five takeaways from their store visits:  Cyber Monday Starts Early for Walmart:  Walmart kicked off its Cyber Monday deals at 12:01am EST on Friday for the first time ever, as it aims to grab customers ahead of its competitors. Last year, the company posted its Cyber Monday deals on the Sunday evening following Thanksgiving.

The power of digital Black Friday shoppers is officially a force to be reckoned with.   Of the 135.9 million U.S.-based consumers that shopped or plan to shop over the entire 2016 Black Friday Week, 57% shopped online. Almost four out of every 10 digital shoppers (37%) used a mobile device (such as a smart phone or tablet). Besides being an increase of seven percentage points, this customer segment is quickly approaching the number of desktop and laptop shoppers.  

Average spending per person over Thanksgiving weekend totaled $289.19, down from $299.60 last year, according to a survey conducted by National Retail Federation.  

J. Crew Group narrowed its loss in the third quarter even as its two-year sales slump continued amid a “difficult traffic environment.”     The retailer posted a net loss of $7.9 million in the quarter ended Oct. 29, compared to a loss of $759.7 million in the year-ago period. (J. Crew booked $845.9 million in impairment losses in the year-earlier period.)   Total revenue decreased 4. 2% to $593.2 million. Same-store sales fell almost 8%.  

Inspired by its West Hollywood Design District locale, Lululemon’s new store on Melrose Avenue offers a sleek, stylish and modern shopping environment.    Modern ivy leaf-inspired patterns throughout the interior and exterior, along with the use of reclaimed red wood and iron spot brick, highlight the architectural components of the 2,750-sq.-ft. space.    

To help its shoppers get in the holiday shopping spirit, Express is launching exclusive holiday Snapchat filters. To celebrate the biggest shopping day of the year, Express will roll out a series of five Black Friday and holiday-themed national Snapchat filters throughout the day on Black Friday, Nov. 25. The Express-sponsored filters include "It Runs in the Fam," "But First Coffee," "Black Friday Beast Mode," "Leftovers are Lit," and "The Party Starts Now.”

The rapid evolution of e-commerce has created a consistent channel for retailers and brands, giving brick-and-mortar stores a run for their money. Still, many vendors have yet to create engaging, timely experiences throughout the buyer’s journey.  

To help its shoppers get in the holiday shopping spirit, Express is launching exclusive holiday Snapchat filters.   To celebrate the biggest shopping day of the year, Express will roll out a series of five Black Friday and holiday-themed national Snapchat filters throughout the day on Black Friday, Nov. 25. The Express-sponsored filters include "It Runs in the Fam," "But First Coffee," "Black Friday Beast Mode," "Leftovers are Lit," and "The Party Starts Now.”