Marketing Tactics

Suppliers to Walmart are always looking for ways to align themselves with the retailer and develop strategies that drive sales. Nothing could be more instructive on that front than 2015 version of a Global Responsibility Report, which reveals the company’s extensive social and environmental commitments and accomplishments.

The eighth annual edition of the document was released this week in conjunction with other material related to the company June 5 shareholders meeting.

Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a garden-themed merchandising campaign just as floral patterns dominate the fashion runways this spring.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin’ Brands Group had a slam-dunk first quarter, with first quarter profit growth of 11.7%, a revenue increase of 8.1%, and U.S. same-store sales growth of 8% in its Baskin-Robbins unit. The Dunkin’ Donuts segment saw same-store sales climb a more modest 2.7%.

The chain added 79 net new restaurants worldwide during the quarter, which included 78 Dunkin Donuts in the U.S.

Victoria's Secret has recruited a couple of Angels to help the retailer launch a new holiday for women: International Bombshells Day.

To be held on the first Saturday of May, the brand will be encouraging women to embrace their inner bombshell and spoil themselves all day with their girlfriends. Plus, they will receive exclusive and limited-time offers at Victoria's Secret Stores and on VictoriasSecret.com.

The new focus on health and wellness merchandise at Kohl’s gets a big boost this week with the addition of an exclusive Gaiam women’s apparel collection.

The retailer has been greatly expanding its assortment of active lifestyle and wellness offerings through brand launches, partnerships and unique social integrations that further the company’s commitment to active and well lifestyles promoted under the Make Your Move initiative launched earlier this year.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Global responsibility and sustainability continue to be priorities for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.  The company filed its proxy statement ahead of its June 5 annual shareholders meeting, and also issued its annual report, and the 2015 Global Responsibility Report and Global Compliance Program Report.

The Global Responsibility Report outlined social and environmental work over the past year.  Accomplishments, according to the company, include:  

With more than 1,000 stores in the Southeast, Publix Super Markets celebrated Earth Day with a $160,000 effort to make shrimp aquaculture more sustainable.

The grocery chain says it is focused on improving the conditions associated with shrimp aquaculture. The donation to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership will fund research to improve fisheries and help shrimp aquaculture in southeast Asia become more sustainable.

Foot Locker is looking to the future of the footwear industry with a new partnership designed to drive innovation.

The retailer is collaborating with Pensole Footwear Design Academy on a class that will help design the new ASICS Tiger this summer.