Retailer Campaigns

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,   

The new owner of the 550,000-sq.-ft. Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan, finds itself in a common quandary among property owners today -- launching an all-points search for retailers to fill the hole left by a closing Macy’s.  

Zappos is hitting the road.   The online footwear retailer famous for its customer service is embarking on a year-long road show to show its gratitude to loyal customers nationwide. The event will feature merchandise, special events and one-of-a-kind experiences.   “At Zappos, we know there are real people behind each online transaction. And we wanted a way to celebrate and thank you for your loyalty — personally,” the company’s website said.  

Millennials grab most of the attention from brand marketers, but baby boomers still have greater disposable income and far more purchasing clout. 

While most retailers reduced traditional advertising spend in favor of digital sources this holiday season, Amazon made an unprecedented move to television.   This was according to the “MediaRadar Trend Report” that examined holiday advertising spend among Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Sears, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, and J.C. Penney, between October and November 2016.    When comparing holiday ad spend by retailer, here is how the companies fared:  

Holiday procrastinators may have saved retailers this year.       A jump in consumer spending in the final home stretch helped to offset a slow start to the U.S. holiday shopping season, and is likely to help many retailers beat sales forecasts, Reuters reported.    

The Container Store and Southwest Airlines are teaming up to surprise harried holiday travelers passing through airports across the nation.   Starting Thursday, Dec. 22, the partners are easing holiday stress for travelers by offering complimentary gift wrapping. The service is available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the following 10 airports:   • Chicago (Midway) International Airport • Dallas (Love Field)  • Denver International Airport