Coupons/ Rebates/ Pricing

New York -- Teen retailers had a “less dreadful” holiday selling season than was anticipated. That’s how analysts are tempering the news that banners such as American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale and Urban Outfitters posted stronger-than-expected holiday results, released by most on Thursday.

In fact, say industry watchers, the strong sales figures look pretty shiny because they are exaggerated by pre-season low expectations, which were dragged down by fears of aggressive discounting and waning mall traffic.

San Jose, Calif. -- Despite some surprising showings over the holiday 2014 shopping season, a report by RetailNext said that overall traffic at brick-and-mortar stores dipped 7.1% for the Nov. 30-Jan. 3 shopping period.

The newly released Retail Performance Pulse also showed a 6.5% year-over-year decrease in sales.

Lowe’s is teaming up with a key supplier to engage a new generation of shoppers with a multifaceted initiative that involves in-store and social media elements.

Tool manufacturer Dremel will be offering a series of in-store clinics at Lowe's to help families design and build a race-worthy Pinewood Derby Car. With the help of Dremel tools and accessories, participants will learn how to create a winning derby car without an elaborate set of tools.

Atlanta – New Year’s resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, and Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo's Ice Cream & Treatery are attempting to make the task even harder for their customers. On Jan. 17, the traditional day consumers give up their resolutions, the chains are offering an omnichannel "Ditch Your New Year's Resolution" promotion.

Customers can visit the Facebook page of either retailer to claim an offer, as well as visit a store to receive a buy-one-get-one-free promotion.
 

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in December 2013 vs. December 2014 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains. CVS used longer but fewer December circulars, increasing circular pages by 18%. The CVS Christmas Clearance Sale circular was not seen in 2014. Walgreens cut two December 2014 comparable circulars accounting for the 22% drop in circular pages. CVS added a large “THROW THE PERFECT PARTY” promotional block on the inside front page of the 2014 holiday week circular featuring snacks, cookies, coffee, ice cream and sparkling cider.

Plano, Texas  -- J.C. Penney is reflecting in a post-holiday glow and feeling bullish about its business going forward after reporting a 3.7% increase in same-store sales during the holidays (the nine week period from November through December). The retailer also said that it expects its fourth-quarter comparable sales will be at the top end of its forecast range of a 2% to 4% gain.

An incentive of up to $25 is being offered by Sam’s Club as part of a multifaceted initiative to increase membership, drive sales, promote social media awareness and procure email addresses.

Camp Hill, Penn. - Rite Aid is ringing in the New Year by offering members of its wellness+ loyalty program the opportunity to receive lifestyle and entertainment rewards for every $50 spent in stores on participating products through Jan. 24. To participate in a promotion Rite Aid is calling “Happy You Year,” members of the wellness+ loyalty program can look for the red "Buy & Earn" symbol on store shelves.