Marketing Tactics

Not many retailers can boast that their mascot was one of the first animals ever immortalized in wax at Madam Tussauds in New York City. But Target can.   That’s just one of five suprising things about the discounter in a report by Fortune. To find out the other four, click here  

Malls and outdoor centers are increasingly seeking out small and local merchants to help them stand out from the competition.   Kimco, for example,  has expanded a program that offers small businesses one year of free rent and reduced property charges, CNBC reported.  Originally started in California four years ago, the program has since been expanded to centers in 19 states.    

Many kids are just starting their summer vacations, but back-to-school shopping is well underway.  

Retail group argues for  debit card swipe fee regulations.   The National Retail Federation said Congress should reject a proposal from the head of the House Financial Services Committee to repeal a cap on debit card swipe fees. According to the NRF, the fees have saved consumers billions of dollars over the past five years.  

Whole Foods Market continues its expansion in the Chicago market, opening a store in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood. It’s the grocer’s 26th Chicagoland location.  

Ralph Lauren Corp. made headlines with its June 7th announcement that it planned to close 50 stores and lay off 1,000 employees as part of a restructuring in response to lower sales.     The announcement  didn't go into specifics about the luxury brand’s plans to correct its course. But some industry insiders speculate that the background of Ralph Lauren CEO  Stefan Larsson, who took the reins of the company in September,  holds the key.   

Retail tenants are not only reporting a strong performance for  the year so far, but are also optimistic about the next six months.  

The IoT-based home shopping landscape is getting a little more crowded.