Loyalty Marketing

NEW YORK — A recent consumer survey released by AlixPartners found that a little more than half of all consumers (51%) identify a traditional grocery retailer as their point of destination when making a grocery trip. Such mass merchants as Walmart are capturing 30% of those trips, and the continued emphasis on fresh in the drug channel has drawn 5% of those trips into the mainstream pharmacy.

Dollar stores, another channel that has in the past few years made a significant push into food items, also draws 5% of all grocery trips.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.  — Sears announced that it is inviting Facebook users to support to America's military members by fan voting for the Sears Rebuilding Together affiliate program that they believe is the most deserving. 

Voting will take place through Sept. 23, and based on total vote tallies, Sears and Rebuilding Together will award 25 overall grants totaling $250,000 to Rebuilding Together affiliates at platinum, gold, silver and bronze levels.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — New data released Friday by Motista suggests that retailers should look beyond the traditional set of holiday emotions, such as family and giving, to understand what’s really motivating consumers to spend more. The data also revealed different ways in which men and women interact and connect with retailers, which may be useful as retailers plan their holiday marketing campaigns.

By Merrick Theobald, [email protected]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer and Dr. Pepper announced that they are often students the  chance to turn those awkward photos into money for college. Through August 27 participants can go to the Meijer Facebook page and upload their photos for a chance to win free tuition for a year (maximum value $20,000). 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores has announced that it will convert all SaveRite-branded grocery stores to conventional Winn-Dixie-branded stores and discontinue the SaveRite banner.

MINNEAPOLIS — Customers can save on back-to-school shopping by trading in used electronics and video games for store credit, Target said.

The mass merchandiser said it expanded its Electronics Trade-In service to 1,490 stores with Target Mobile centers, and also added new product categories. The chain offers the program under a partnership with consumer electronics upgrade and trade-in company NextWorth, giving customers credit in return. The service is accepting calculators, DVDs, video games, Nintendo DS units, cell phones, iPods and iPads.

South Denver’s Park Meadows regional mall is officially 15 years old -- and it is celebrating throughout the month of August with free community entertainment and activities, culminating in a free community pancake breakfast August 30, 2011.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — TJX announced that net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 8% to $5.5 billion and consolidated comparable-store sales increased 4%. Net income for the second quarter was $348 million and diluted earnings per share were 90 cents, compared with 74 cents per share last year. 

LONDON — Real customers from Walmart's Asda division will be a part of Dove's billboard advertising campaign. 

Ten models were chosen as the winners of a competition that ran through Asda earlier this year. Winners were treated to a makeover, colour consultation and professional hair styling before they stepped in front of the camera. George, Asda's clothing division, provided the attire for the shoot.