Digital Marketing

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is changing the way it connects with shoppers.    Coinciding with efforts to “modernize” its brand, the arts and crafts retailer is adopting mobile technology as a means of fostering collaboration and enhancing the shopping experience. Jo-Ann’s new mobile app will enable users to shop for supplies, find project ideas, redeem mobile coupons, and find and share project “How-To’s.”  

The second quarter numbers show that Walmart remains firmly on the front foot and is more than holding its own in a challenging and competitive retail market. It is particularly pleasing to see sales growth accelerate since Q1 -- a clear sign that the various initiatives and investments are paying dividends.  

Facebook is getting in on the “daily deals” game.   The social media giant is teaming up with eBay to bolster third-party sales. Through the collaboration, Facebook’s Marketplace service — a section on its mobile app — now features a selection of inventory from eBay’s Daily Deals program, according to TechCrunch.   

A discount giant is using its newest acquisitions to connect with its millennial shoppers.   During an earnings call, Walmart revealed that it’s trendy, upscale Bonobos or ModCloth brands will soon be sold via jet.com. This move highlights how Walmart plans to leverage its Jet division to target the millennial shopper, according to Business Insider.  

While Wall Street cheers Urban Outfitters for not doing quite so badly as forecast, the reality is that this is a lousy set of results. Not only are the numbers sequentially worse than a pretty dire first quarter, but they also show that many of the initiatives put into play remain a long way from delivering.  

The third annual Amazon Prime Day attracted more shoppers than ever, with many attracted by personalized marketing efforts.    Thirty-six percent of respondents confirmed they made a purchase on Amazon Prime Day in a survey from Periscope by McKinsey, which conducted online research with U.S. shoppers to explore their attitudes and actions regarding the online giant's mega-sale. This was a substantial increase on the 22% who said they had actively shopped for Prime Day deals in 2016.   

Pop-up stores are a retail trend that shows no sign of slowing down.   The ability to create a brick-and-mortar presence without many of the hassles that come with establishing and maintaining a permanent physical location has become an increasingly attractive option in recent years. The pop-up store concept has transformed into an estimated $50 billion industry — fostering new partnerships, experiential marketing opportunities and a unique way for retail brands to engage with their customers.   

After a solid first quarter, Home Depot has posted an even stronger set of second quarter figures. Total sales rose by 6.2% with underlying comparables up by 6.3% overall and by 6.6% in North America. Given the long run of big uplifts in same-store numbers, this is a very impressive performance.  

Posting less-than-expected earnings in its second quarter, the nation's largest sporting goods retailer plans to take a more promotional stance.   Dick's Sporting Goods reported consolidated net income of $112.4 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended July 29, compared to $91.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Excluding certain items, earnings came in at 96 cents, lower than the $1.01 that   analysts had expected.  

Sephora’s new service strives to connect customers while they shop.   The specialty retailer launched a digital platform that invites customers enrolled in its Beauty Insider loyalty program to connect and chat about all things beauty. The mobile and online platform serves as a destination for members to find inspiration, ask questions and get recommendations in an unsponsored, real-time social setting.