Cross-Merchandising

As more millennials enter the real estate market and a rising number of homeowners invest in updating their homes, J.C. Penney is re-entering the appliance business.

The retailer announced that it will introduce a leading assortment of major appliances in 22 pilot stores beginning Feb. 1. Backed by customer research that reinforces the company’s decision to enter the appliance market, the pilot is one of several strategic initiatives aimed at improving its home department sales productivity, the company said.

The pet products category is hugely important to Tractor Supply and now the nation’s largest operator of farm and ranch stores has devised an innovative approach to drive demand at its nearly 1,500 stores.

Winter Garden, Fla. -- The Sembler Company has completed construction on the final outparcel at the 1.15 million sq. ft. Winter Garden Village located in Winter Garden, Florida.

Pei Wei Asian Diner and Mattress One will occupy the new 7,200-sq. ft. building, marking complete build-out of the development originally started in 2006.

Toys “R” Us says its annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation raised more than $5.8 million and collected over 200,000 toys.

During the 2015 campaign, customers helped bring holiday joy to some of the 15.5 million kids in need across the U.S. by donating new, unwrapped toys at Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores nationwide and through monetary contributions made in stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots.

Target Corp.’s newest partner is a cycling studio chain knows for its high-intensity (and pricey) workouts and devoted, cult-like following.

The retailer has teamed up with SoulCycle to launch a 10-city tour that will offer special three-day weekend events in select markets with complimentary classes taught by certified SoulCycle instructors.

Kmart is launching a new social media campaign called “Fit in the Fun” that promotes the enjoyment of healthy activities while also engaging members of its Shop Your Way loyalty program.

The program includes a dedicated Fit in the Fun website as well as a #FitintheFun hashtag campaign. In addition, celebrity fitness instructor Jillian Michaels (who has an established relationship with Kmart) offers online tips and also sells branded merchandise on the new site.

Building customer loyalty is key for retailers and, while part of that is obviously offering desirable, high-quality products, consumers in today’s world want something more — they want to be a part of something larger than themselves - a community they can engage with.

Venice, Fla. -- Main Street Ranchlands and The Sembler Company announced the companies have formed a joint venture to develop the Marketplace at Coastamar in West Villages located in Venice, Florida. This is the first commercial opportunity in the rapidly growing master-planned community in south Sarasota County.