Retailer Campaigns

At a time when loyalty programs are becoming ubiquitous, Lowes Foods’ new service is breaking the mold.    The grocery chain is launching a promotional reward campaign in 75 stores across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. For every $10 spent at Lowes Foods stores, customers will receive one stamp — either traditional or virtual — at checkout, good toward VIVO kitchen knives, knife blocks and cutting boards. The promotion runs until February 26, 2017.   

Sears is launching a new program designed to give its loyal shoppers the best shot at holiday promotions.    Members of the chain’s Shop Your Way loyalty program will get a jump on their holiday shopping during this weekend’s “Sears Days Lowest Prices of the Season Member Bonus Event.” However, there is always a chance these items could be further discounted as the holiday season ramps up.   

The North Face is trying on a new store format.   The retailer has opened a pop-up in San Francisco aimed at the city explorer.   The temporary store, in the city’s Jackson Square neighborhood, will focus exclusively on the brand’s premium streetwear merchandise. (A similar space will be featured in the retailer’s new flagship, scheduled to open on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in late October.)  

Target Corp. is partnering with a hip design magazine on its new home collection.   The retailer will launch Modern by Dwell Magazine at select stores and online beginning Dec. 27. The collection will include more than 120 items, including furniture, décor, tabletop and home accessories, with products separated into indoor and outdoor collections.       Prices will range from $49.99 to $399.99 for furniture and $16.99 to $99.99 for décor, tabletop and accessories.

Yet another holiday forecast brings more good cheer to retailers.   Consumers plan to spend an average of $636 on holiday-related expenses, up 3% from what they anticipated last year, according to The NPD Group’s 2016 Holiday Purchase Intentions Survey. They are also less concerned this year about the economy spoiling their holiday fun. When asked how the state of the economy will influence holiday purchases in 2016, the 12% who said it will have a “significant impact” is down from recent years (14% in 2015, 19% in 2014).

ModCloth, the online apparel retailer known for its indie and vintage-inspired styles, is opening up its first permanent store.   The company will open a 4,000-sq.-ft. location in Austin, Texas, in November, Bloomberg reported. Other locations are likely to follow.  

One of Minnesota’s highest-volume malls is about to get a $76 million renovation that will give it new retail space and sight lines and – more rare these days – a new department store tenant.   Rosedale Center, a 1.14-million-sq.-ft. property situated between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, will soon break ground for a two-level Von Maur store and parking deck with 1,100 spaces, according to owner JLL. Macy’s and J.C. Penney already do business there.  

For the second year in a row, Staples will close its stores on Thanksgiving.   Shoppers, however, will be able shop the office supplies giant’s e-commerce site.