Marketing Tactics

Walmart Vice President of U.S. Manufacturing Cindi Marsiglio is scheduled to provide an update on the retailer’s $250 billion domestic sourcing commitment at an event later this month.

Marsiglio is scheduled to speak at 7 a.m., March 19, at an event sponsored by Doing Business in Bentonville at the John Q Hammons Center in Rogers, Ark. The organization, known as DBB locally, regularly holds events at which top Walmart executives share updates and insights on key initiatives and working effectively with the company.

New York -- Women’s apparel retailer Dressbarn is thinking omnichannel with the launch of both a digital and in-store experience, called Dressbar, focused on exclusive designer collaborations with notable names in fashion.  

Beginning March 5, the collection will be available to shoppers at Dressbarn stores, and online at dressbar.com. In addition, the retailer is opening a Dressbar pop-up shop In New York City, at 102 Fifth Avenue.

New York -- Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old Florida-based department store retailer, is developing a specialty store concept, called Bunulu, which will debut by the end of 2015.

The new banner, which already has its own website, Bunulu.com, will target a younger demographic, and feature coastal-inspired active lifestyle apparel and accessories for both men and women. National brands will be featured.

New York -- Dolce & Gabbana will open a flagship store in the 15,000-sq.-ft. 155 Mercer Street building in the SoHo area of New York City.

Thor Equities leased the entire building to the Italian luxury fashion house, which plans to re-create the original brownstone façade.

Originally built in 1855 as Firemen’s Hall, the historical property was most recently home to dance performance venue the Joyce Theater. The four-level building includes 50 ft. of frontage on Mercer Street.
 

Washington, D.C. -- Consumers are opening up their pocketbooks for St. Patrick’s Day, according to the National Retail Federation’s St. Patrick’s Day Spending Survey.

The survey, conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, finds that nearly 127 million Americans are planning to celebrate the traditional Irish holiday and will spend an average of $36.52 on green garb, festive food and more, compared to $35.78 last year.

New York -- Coach announced it will open its first Paris flagship, timed to coincide with the brand’s 75th anniversary. The store, located on the famed Rue Saint-Honoré, is expected to open this fall.

Michaels is hoping to turn wanna-be crafters into bonafide artists with its new digital education partnership.

The arts and crafts retailer has joined with craft instruction website Creativebug to offer online arts and crafts classes taught by top instructors and industry experts through an exclusive partnership with Michaels.

Lakewood, Colo. -- Colorado Mills will add IT’SUGAR this March and Buckle during this fall to its current mix of more than 200 stores. These new retailers follow openings by Calvin Klein, Michael Kors Outlet and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen.

IT’SUGAR will be located in Neighborhood 4 near American Eagle Outfitters Factory Store. Buckle is also coming to Neighborhood 4.