Cross-Merchandising

Batavia, Ill. -- Comedian Ben Bailey is doing his thing in an Aldi supermarket as opposed to his usual taxi cab.

Aldi, the fast-growing deep-discount supermarket chain, has teamed up with Ben Bailey, best known as host of the former TV series "Cash Cab,” in an online video series. Described as equal parts education and entertainment, the series is designed to help introduce Aldi to new customers across the United States and in Southern California specifically, where it is planning to open approximately 45 new stores in 2016.

Chain Store Age recently published a list of the top 10 most-read stories of the first half of 2015, and eight are directly focused on brick-and-mortar stores. This is no great surprise because even as retail and society and general enter a true “Digital Age,” physical stores remain as crucial as they were in the pre-industrial era.

Here are three reasons that brick-and-mortar stores are still a vital part of any retailer’s omnichannel strategy.

New York - American Eagle Outfitters is getting “extreme” with a new omnichannel sweepstakes it is running in stores nationwide and online from July 11 through July 22.

The specialty apparel chain is partnering with World Freerunning & Parkour Federation athletes Gaeton Boullett, Max Henry, Paul Joseph and Tim Burton to promote its Denim X and Flex denim products.

A new character line with first-of-its-kind multimedia elements is now available on Build-A-Bear Workshop’s web site and in its 400 stores.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is locating one of its namesake stores next to one of its Field & Stream stores to create an intriguing  90,000-sq.-ft. concept called the All-American Sports Center.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods is opening a combination store format.

The retailer will open its first “All-American Sports Center” on July 23 at McGowin Park in Mobile, Alabama. The concept features a Dick's Sporting Goods and a Field & Stream store in one location under the same roof.  

Customers benefit from an expanded assortment and the ability to move between the two stores once inside, creating a unique, exciting shopping experience, Dick’s said.

This year, GGP and The Lego Group partnered to host The Lego Americana Roadshow, a highly visual, educational and free traveling installation of larger-than-life Lego replicas of some of the nation’s most beloved landmarks.  

Lowe's is getting some recognition for its efforts to aid communities with money, supplies and manpower in times of disaster.

Athens, Ga. -- Say hello to Snagshout, a new website that offers shoppers a discount in exchange for a review.

The site, which launched on Wednesday, offers deep discounts on a wide range of retail products for purchase, use and review. It connects shoppers looking for deals with merchants looking to gain traction with new items on Amazon.  

A unique traffic generating and sales diversification promotion that doesn’t involved dogs and cats will take place at Petco stores nationwide on July 18.

The operator of more than 1,400 locations plans to host a two hour Reptile Rally on Saturday July 18 where the objective is to expose customers to the world of reptiles, create interest in ownership and the wide range of products that are available.