Marketing Tactics

New York – Even as retail marketing strategies shift in the new digital era, tried-and-true discounts still remain a crucial promotional device. According to new data from marketing personalization provider Sailthru, 97% of retailers use discounting as a pricing strategy.

Seattle – Nordstrom Inc. is letting women join the club. More specifically, Nordstrom is now allowing women to apply to its Trunk Club online personal shopper service that was previously only open to men.

The quest for innovation in the retail industry often requires unconventional partnerships, as Williams Sonoma has proven with its new Harvard smoker.

The retailer tasked one of Harvard University's engineering classes to come up with a better way to barbecue and smoke meats. In the end, a team of students invented a smoker that can eliminate hot spots and keep a constant and precise low temperature both in the smoker and the meat itself. The retailer is now is in the process of developing and producing the unit, which could retail for under $1,000. 

Seattle – Starbucks Corp, is partnering with one of the world’s best-known media brands to provide an elevated news experience for users of its mobile app. As part of an expanded agreement with the New York Times, top news of the day as well as a selection of other articles, will be available for free via the Starbucks mobile app for My Starbucks Rewards loyalty members.

LIDS Sports Group has selected a new charity partner that may resonate with many of its customers.

The company's philanthropic arm, LIDS Foundation, has named Our Military Kids as it 2015 national partner. The foundation presented a check of $200,000 to Our Military Kids to help sustain its efforts in keeping military children engaged in athletic, fine arts and tutoring programs.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is getting some social media heat about the message on a controversial T-shirt it is selling, and says no offense was ever intended. According to the Associated Press, in a written statement Target said the black women’s shirt with the word “Trophy” written across the front in bold lettering is not meant to demean women.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. – Dollar General is taking a decidedly modern approach to the age-old tradition of back-to-school shopping. The retailer is offering its Fast Way to Save digital coupon program through Aug. 15.

To enroll or upload these coupons, customers may login to their electronic DG Digital Coupon account either through Dollar General’s website or through the DG mobile app

Maryville, Tenn. - Ruby Tuesday Inc. has appointed David Skena as chief marketing officer.

During the past nine years, Skena progressed through PepsiCo Inc. with increasing levels of responsibility, most recently serving as the VP of premium and value brands.

In the chief marketing officer role, Skena will be responsible for developing and implementing effective marketing strategies and initiatives to build brand awareness and customer loyalty through traditional media, digital and social channels, and other innovative platforms.