In-Store Media

Palto Alto, Calif. -- Shopkick, the location-based shopping app that rewards shoppers for walking into stores and interacting with products, and Macy's, announced a full national rollout in more than 800 Macy’s stores of the shopping application.

HUDSON, Ohio — Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has launched an iPad app to help customers find everything they need for their next project.

“Our customers crave fresh inspiration delivered to them through a variety of means. What we have accomplished with the Jo-Ann app for iPad is consolidating all of these inspiration sources into one highly engaging experience called the Idea Center,” said Riddi Kline, SVP and chief marketing officer for Jo-Ann.

New York -- Virgin Mobile will open a flagship on Thursday in Chicago, the New York Times reported. The wireless company, which is owned by Sprint, hopes to build awareness of its brand by redefining the relationship between the customer and the carrier, according to the report.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox has launched a new line of products designed to appeal to Hispanic scent preferences and unique approach to cleaning. The Clorox Fraganzia line of products is available now at major national retailers and consists of three products designed to imbue the Hispanic home with welcoming, clean, fresh scents. They are: a multi-purpose dilutable cleaner, toilet bowl rim hanger, and aerosol air freshener.

Retailers can’t seem to get enough of partnerships these days…be it with hot designers, each other or television shows. Below is a quick recap of three new couplings that have the industry buzzing.

1. Nordstrom and Topshop: Looking to add more fashion sizzle to its offerings, Nordstrom has entered into a joint venture with Topshop, the British fast-fashion giant known for its runway-inspired threads and rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

New York -- Lord & Taylor has entered into an exclusive partnership with Lifetime’s Project Runway for the television shows’ tenth anniversary season.

The partnership includes an exclusive retail sponsorship for the season and a comprehensive integrated marketing program.

By Dr. Gary Edwards, Empathica

Recently, online fashion retailer Piperlime announced plans to open its first brick-and-mortar location in New York City. For many, the announcement seemed to fly in the face of conventional wisdom given the competitive pricing and other advantages e-commerce providers have over traditional retailers.

Why would a successful e-tailer like Piperlime want to take on the additional cost and headaches associated with a physical store?

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA announced that it has brought Indio, a dark beer that has been sold in Mexico since 1893 to the United States. The beer is now available in 6-pack and 12-packs at locations throughout Chicago,Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

ABILENE, Kan. — Alco Stores has promoted Brent Streit to SVP marketing and e-commerce.

Streit, a native of Downs, Kansas and a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, has more than 20 years of experience in retailing. In 2001 he joined Alco, then known as Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc., as a buyer. Since then he has held increasingly responsible positions in supply chain management, marketing and business development.

NEW YORK — Manhattan-based retailer Duane Reade is expanding its footprint with a second distinct location in the historic American Surety building in the city’s Financial District.