Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

Retailers can use apps for more than just driving sales, as demonstrated by Office Depot Inc.’s latest mobile move.

The Office Depot and OfficeMax parent company is re-releasing its Elf Yourself mobile app. The app, which Office Depot has offered every holiday season since 2012 and launched as an online platform in 2006, is a prime example of how retailers are using apps to build positive consumer sentiment and brand awareness.

Retailers can use apps for more than just driving sales, as demonstrated by Office Depot Inc.’s latest mobile move.

The Office Depot and OfficeMax parent company is re-releasing its Elf Yourself mobile app. The app, which Office Depot has offered every holiday season since 2012 and launched as an online platform in 2006, is a prime example of how retailers are using apps to build positive consumer sentiment and brand awareness.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows are an annual tradition in Manhattan, and the retailer keeps upping the ante.

Saks will unveil its windows on Nov. 23, and the display promise to light up the night. The retailer will transform its windows with a “Winter Place” theme, complete with a state-of-the-art light show featuring three-dimensional elements on the front facade of the iconic store, including towering light icicles, crystal palace spires, and snowy magnolia arches.

Target is setting up shop in downtown Manhattan — but it’s no ordinary store and it’s just for the holidays.

On Dec. 9, Target will officially open Target Wonderland to the public, which the retailer describes as a “first-of-its-kind retail experience” that is part magical toy store and part Pop Art exhibit.

The Finish Line Inc. is continuing its efforts to become an omnichannel lifestyle experience with a new social media campaign.

For the second year in a row, Finish Line customers will be able to demonstrate their basketball skills via social media platforms by using the hashtag #theFundamentals on Twitter and Instagram, or submitting them via Snapchat. The digital entries will be judged by a group of NBA athletes.

Chicago – General Growth Properties announced the return of Adventure to Santa, A DreamWorks DreamPlace 2,000-sq.-ft. interactive cottage, to five locations in its portfolio: Fashion Show – Las Vegas; North Point Mall – Alpharetta, Georgia; The Parks Mall at Arlington – Arlington, Texas; Oakbrook Center – Oak Brook, Illinois; and Southwest Plaza – Littleton, Colorado.

Ulta Beauty is not only “Ultra-beautiful,”  according to television personality Ellen DeGeneres, it’s also “Ultra-generous.”

Capping off a partnership during the month of October with DeGeneres to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, Ulta CEO Mary Dillon appeared on the popular talk show and presented the host with a $2 million check made out to the Breast Cancer Reseach Foundation.

Jordan’s Furniture, known for its larger-than-life stores that combine retail with all manner of entertainment, is outdoing itself in its next location. The retailer is building a 192,500-sq.-ft. store in New Haven, Connecticut — its first in the state — that will feature a massive indoor rope course, billed as “IT Adventure Ropes Course,” that includes two 60-ft. high ropes courses. Jordan’s is devoting 20,000 sq. ft. to the attraction.