Marketing Tactics

Macy’s ranked as the department store of the year in the Harris Poll’s 28th annual EquiTrend Stud, which recognizes the strongest brands based on consumer response.

In coming out on top, Macy's unseated Kohl's, which has held the honor since 2012. Macy's also showed one of the largest brand equity increases (+7%) over a three-year period.

Macy’s ranked as the department store of the year in the Harris Poll’s 28th annual EquiTrend Study, which recognizes the strongest brands based on consumer response.

In coming out on top, Macy's unseated Kohl's, which has held the honor since 2012. Macy's also showed one of the largest brand equity increases (+7%) over a three-year period.

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based discount retailer Meijer is giving customers the chance to help create a TV commercial, and gaining some free social promotion in the process.

In a new contest, Meijer is asking shoppers to submit photos showing how the retailer supports their “home team,” which could range from a local Little League team to a Major League Baseball franchise, through an application on its Facebook page. Ten winners will receive $100 Meijer gift cards, and all photos have the chance to appear in the commercial.

Eighty-eight percent of consumers plan to celebrate Mother’s Day 2016 and clothing is this year’s big winner.

That’s according to the annual Brand Keys Mother’s Day survey, which found that consumers intend to spend on average $205.00 this year, up 6% over 2015.

Men, following a long-standing tradition, intend to spend more than women, reporting an anticipated average spend of $228. Women reported an anticipated spend of $182.

Target Corp.’s latest limited-edition collaboration, with the Finnish brand Marimekko, was not a bust, but it also didn’t spark the excitement and shopping frenzy that marked the launch of the retailer’s previous exclusive collections — particularly its past partnerships with Missoni and Lily Putlizer.

Skechers retail stores could be in for a sales boost later this year as pro football Hall of Famer Howie Long becomes the newest member of the footwear brand’s endorsement roster.
 
Skechers, operator of 1,340 stores, inked Long for a multi-year deal that involves TV, print and digital components through 2018. Long is best known today as a game day commentator of Fox’s NFL broadcasts, but prior to that he was one of the league’s most dominating defensive linemen during a 12 year career with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders.
 

Consumers are taking stock of their financial health and how it will affect their decisions to make CPG purchases in the coming months.

According to the new first quarter 2016 IRI Consumer Connect survey, 67% of respondents feel their financial health will improve in the next six months. As a result, CPG spending will generally improve, but shoppers have some specific needs and wants to fulfill.

Anthropologie is coming to Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, in a big way.

The brand, a division of Urban Outfitters, will open a 10,000-sq.-ft. flagship on the mall’s expanded first level. It is expected to open in time for the holiday season.