Retailer Campaigns

Ivanka Trump-branded items will soon be a thing of the past at Nordstrom.  

After a decade-long increase, Valentine’s Day sales may be less rosy this year.   U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average $136.57, down from last year’s record-high $146.84. Total spending is expected to reach $18.2 billion, down from $19.7 billion last year, which was also a record, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, which surveyed 7,591 consumers about their Valentine’s Day plans.  

Pinterest is taking its search program to the next level.   The social media site now offers Search Ads, a feature that enables retailers to run ads as “pinners” type keywords into the search bar. The program, which started as a limited test, is now comprised of a full suite of features, including keyword and shopping campaigns that are shown in search results, as well as new targeting and reporting options, Pinterest’s head of global sales, Jon Kaplan, said in the company’s blog.  

Banana Republic will be giving shoppers a chance to buy its Olivia Palermo designs right after they appear on the runway.   Upholding its “see now, buy now” presentation model, the apparel retailer will enable customers to purchase pieces from its Spring 2017 collection at pop-up shops at select Banana Republic stores on Feb. 9. The collection is based on the street-style of fashionista Olivia Palermo.  

Macy’s is exiting the chocolate business.   The department store retailer is selling its Frango chocolate brand to Garrett Brands, owner of Garrett Popcorn Shops, for an undisclosed amount.     Macy’s had inherited Frango, whose roots date back to 1918, from Marshall Field & Co., which was acquired by Macy’s in 2005.  

Hollister Co. is reviving its intimates brand.   The retailer, a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., is reintroducing its Gilly Hicks line of intimates, loungewear and swimwear. Gilly product can now be purchased in all of Hollister’s U.S. stores and globally online. Hollister plans to open Gilly in-store shops in selection locations “that will provide the customer a unique Gilly Hicks brand experience.”  

In its newest partnership, Target has joined up with BaubleBar, the online fast-fashion jewelry brand.   The two companies have come together for a new collection, called Sugarfix by BaubleBar, that will feature original designs and pieces inspired by the brand's most popular styles. The line will be available exclusively on Target.com and in some 900 Target stores beginning Jan. 31.  

For the first time, H&M shoppers will be able to purchase merchandise straight on the runway.   On March 2, H&M is launching its ‘See Now, Buy Now’ show, which enables customers to log onto its site and purchase items from its H&M Studio collection immediately following its presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Merchandise will also be available in select H&M stores.   

Target has made a key addition to its executive team.    The discounter has promoted Rick Gomez to the position of executive VP and chief marketing officer, effective Jan. 29. Gomez, currently senior VP of brand and category marketing, has been with Target since 2013. He replaces Jeff Jones, who left Target last summer to become president of Uber.   

J.C. Penney has scored with Nike.   The department store retailer has teamed up with the athletic giant to open Nike branded in-store shops in more than 600 Penney locations across the country. Anchored by a Nike swoosh, the 500-sq.-ft. shops are located within the men’s department,