Marketing Tactics

Macy’s on Wednesday reported its fifth consecutive decline in same-store sales, and announced plans to improve its performance, from new product launches to more off-price shops. The nation’s largest department retailer also reduced its sales and earnings guidance for the year. Similar to many retailers, Macy’s is challenged by an overall retail environment marked by sluggish traffic, increased competition and cautious consumers.

Ikea Canada is opening in the heart of downtown Toronto—in the form of a food focused pop-up shop that will be open from May 13 to May 26. More than 50 Ikea products will be available for purchase, including both household accessories and food items.

Abercrombie & Fitch is expanding its presence in the Middle East. The retailer has entered into an agreement with Majid Al Futtaim Fashion to open stores in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Since 2013, Abercrombie, in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Fashion, has opened eight stores in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

Both Walmart Canada and Loblaw companies sent financial aid to support the relief efforts in the Fort McMurray community. According to reports published Friday morning, fires in the province of Alberta have to date forced the evacution of 88,000 residents and destroyed more than 1,600 structures.

Online consumers appear to be remembering Mom this year.

According to new data from the Adobe Digital Index, online sales in the important Mother’s Day gift categories of flowers/gifts and jewelry are both trending 2%-3% higher than they were in 2015.

New York City-based lifestyle apparel retailer, Nautica, a division of VF Corp., has opened a flagship in Manhattan, in the SoHo neighborhood. The 2,000-sq.-ft. store opening embodies the brand's refreshed marketing and design strategy which celebrates the company’s roots as well as its established nautical heritage.

Photos by Ben Rahn/A-Frame Studio

Canadian luxury outerwear brand Mackage returned to its hometown to open a sleek flagship that will serve as a prototype for the brand’s international rollout. The space evokes the dramatic beauty of artic winter landscapes, brought to life with luxurious materials.

The Limited has entered the fast-growing value retail sector.

Moving under the radar, The Limited has quietly debuted a new store concept, called Backroom at the Limited, in six malls across the nation.

The format offers a mix of work-to-weekend apparel, jewelry and accessories, with the merchandise made exclusively for the Backroom as well as the Limited’s outlet stores.