Digital Marketing

The retail industry is ramping up its efforts against House Republicans’ proposed border-tax proposal.      The National Retail Federation has launched the next phase of a television and digital ad campaign against the tax, which is included in the House Republican tax reform plan.   The campaign features three small retailers who tell their own stories and convey their fears that the BAT would put them out of business.   

British online fast-fashion retailer Missguided makes the leap to physical retail with a high-concept, high-impact store at Westfield Stratford City mall in London.   Featuring an “on-air” television studio concept, the 20,000-sq.-ft. space delivers a dynamic live stream of real-time content, fashion and inspiration in a bold environment. It reflects the desire of its young, Snapchat-obsessed core audience for the new by offering a constantly changing space that includes plenty of shareable moments.    

The struggles of brick-and-mortar retailers have dominated industry headlines over the past few months with an unprecedented number of store closings announced. However, while the bad news has come from all corners, specialty retailers as well as general merchandisers, it has been department stores that have perhaps attracted the most headlines.  

Selfridges is giving shoppers a new way to test and purchase cosmetics.   Through a partnership with Estee Lauder and YouCam Makeup, the U.K.-based department store chain now features a virtual makeover app. Harnessing augmented reality and facial mapping technology, YouCam Makeup’s cosmetics app enables Selfridges’ shoppers to virtually try on up to 30 lipstick shades prior to making a purchase at the store.  

A messaging app launched a new lens that could help drive shoppers through retailers’ doors.   Snapchat’s Snap to Store product is a geofilter that retailers can sponsor.    When Snapchatters use the retailer-specific overlay on their snaps and share it in their story, Snap analyzes who sees those branded snaps and tracks whether users — or their followers — visit the store, according to New York Business Journal.  

Lids Sports Group is giving its fans something to cheer about.   In addition to unveiling Access Pass, Lids’ new rewards program that features exclusive deals and invitations to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the retailer also launched a new mobile app to keep members instantly connected to their account.  

J.C. Penney extending its commitment to beauty and related services.    The retailer said Monday that 50 additional salon locations will be rebranded to The Salon by Instyle this year, as the company continues to revamp its 750 salons nationwide.    Key design elements of the new concept include updated graphics, photography that highlights hair trends, accent lighting, modern fixtures and sleek furniture. Each salon offers an array of services from haircuts to hair treatments to extensions.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. now has a way to get its fashions into the hands of its loyal shoppers in Southeast Asia — and fast.   Through a new wholesale agreement with Asia's leading online fashion destination Zalora, the teen apparel retailer will begin selling its Hollister merchandise through Zalora's online stores starting next week. The site will also begin offering Abercrombie & Fitch product later this month, according to Abercrombie & Fitch.