Marketing Tactics

New York – At least a few shoppers reportedly received a substantial windfall as a result of a computer glitch at Bloomingdale’s. According to BuzzFeed, some members of the upscale chain’s loyalty program were accidentally issued as much as $25,000 in store credit last week, and at least one customer used the unintentionally generous offer to obtain free diamond earrings.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is partnering with two top brands to open specialty stores-within-a-store at select Dick’s locations. In a conference call with investors, Dick’s CEO Ed Stack said the retailer will pilot stores-within-a-store from Nike Air Jordan and Polo Sport later this year and next year.

New York - Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th plans to open a new store in spring 2016 at Gateway Shopping Centers in Austin, Texas. The new 50,000-sq.-ft. store will be fashioned in an open, modular layout, and feature a unique and unparalleled selection of designer finds for both men and women.

I recently participated in an SAP-sponsored panel discussion on Game-Changers Radio about how consumer product companies are using real-time consumer insights and engagement. Buoyed by constant customer connectivity, consumer product firms are gaining a much clearer and timelier picture of their end customers, and also directly engaging them near or in real time.

Grapevine, Texas – Like many other retailers, GameStop Corp. employs seasonal hires for the holiday season. Unlike many other retailers, GameStop focuses on skill growth and professional success for its 17,000-23,000 annual seasonal hires.

GameStop is known for innovative promotions, but now the specialty retailer has made social marketing personal with its latest Summer at GameStop event.

The retailer has announced the winners of Summer at GameStop, a five-week social engagement and contest series aimed at gamers who shared their personal stories on how video gaming brings fans together to create unique friendships and lifelong relationships - and brought longtime friends together from across the country in the process.

Phoenix – Holiday shopping often starts earlier than commonly thought and also frequently being online. According to a new survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers from G/O Digital, 62% of respondents go straight to search engines when researching gifts for the holiday season and more than three-quarters look online for holiday shopping deals and discounts.