In-Store Media

Starbucks shuttering ‘tea bar’ format
Starbucks Corp. is still hot for tea, but it’s not feeling too warm and cozy about its Teavana "tea bar" format, which debuted in New York City about two years ago. The concept sought to elevate the tea-drinking experience, much the way Starbucks did for coffee, and featured an array of tea-related beverages and food items in a comfortable environment that encouraged people to linger.
Golf retailer expanding west
PGA Tour Superstore continues to broaden its footprint with its first store in Utah.

The retailer announced it will open a 25,000-sq.-ft. store in Sandy, Utah, in April. The Sandy store, which will feature four state-of-the-art simulators, four practice hitting bays and an expansive putting green measuring more than 750 sq. ft., is the first of five new store locations the company has announced for 2016.

Tractor Supply looks to unleash pet product sales

The pet products category is hugely important to Tractor Supply and now the nation’s largest operator of farm and ranch stores has devised an innovative approach to drive demand at its nearly 1,500 stores.
Costco stuns shoppers with 4K marketing solution

Costco hopes to sell more high-definition televisions and merchandise in clubs after going live with its revamped Costco TV Network.

The warehouse club leader deployed 4K technology to its existing in-warehouse TV network in a move designed to boost sales of televisions and help brands who use the network’s promotional capabilities better connect with shoppers. Powered by PRN, a division of Stratacache and longtime Costco partner, the TV network is in all 487 of the retailer’s U.S. clubs.
Drive sales by cracking SMS code

Almost every major brand has experimented with SMS marketing services. Some programs have been wildly fruitful while others were abandoned after only a few months. Having seen both small and large retailers implement successful mobile marketing programs, there is little doubt that SMS can drive customer engagement and increase revenue.
New retail concept, Star World, combines bricks and clicks

Photo: Jerry Azarkman, president of Star World
New Video Technology to Maximize Customer Attraction, Loyalty

The winners in today’s retail food retail sector will be those who can continually stay ahead of competitors by retaining current customers and attracting new ones.

However, many of the tools of yesterday are likely stale and ineffective today. Trending indicates that older, traditional practices of discount/promotional pricing, printed signs/stickers, and aisle video display monitors to attract customers and increase sales are becoming outmoded and have lost their effectiveness in many food retail environments.
Target’s unusual new partner has cult-like following

Target Corp.’s newest partner is a cycling studio chain knows for its high-intensity (and pricey) workouts and devoted, cult-like following.

The retailer has teamed up with SoulCycle to launch a 10-city tour that will offer special three-day weekend events in select markets with complimentary classes taught by certified SoulCycle instructors.
Mall operator reaches out to shoppers

Mall operator General Growth Properties (GGP) is looking to get in touch with customers in a new and very personal way.

GGP has selected Mobiquity to be the provider of beacon-based advertising services for select malls in its U.S. portfolio, including Tysons Galleria (Washington D.C.), Glendale Galleria (Los Angeles), Water Tower Place (Chicago) and Ala Moana Center (Honolulu).
Kmart promotes fun, fitness, loyalty

Kmart is launching a new social media campaign called “Fit in the Fun” that promotes the enjoyment of healthy activities while also engaging members of its Shop Your Way loyalty program.

The program includes a dedicated Fit in the Fun website as well as a #FitintheFun hashtag campaign. In addition, celebrity fitness instructor Jillian Michaels (who has an established relationship with Kmart) offers online tips and also sells branded merchandise on the new site.
Using Fan Fashion to Build Customer Loyalty

Building customer loyalty is key for retailers and, while part of that is obviously offering desirable, high-quality products, consumers in today’s world want something more — they want to be a part of something larger than themselves - a community they can engage with.
Holiday Recap: Top Five Customer-Engaging Omnichannel Campaigns

As we wrap up another holiday season, it’s time to review some of the most innovative and successful omnichannel promotions launched by retailers.

Some of these promotions were brand new, some were updated versions of established favorites. And some directly drove purchases while others built brand awareness and general holiday goodwill. But all five of the selected campaigns engaged customers in ways that should help boost loyalty long after holiday cheer fades.

Harry & David