Marketing Tactics

Redmond, Wash. – Microsoft will open its first flagship location, on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

In addition, Microsoft plans to open 10 new stores across the U.S. in time for the 2014 holiday season, while the flagship New York store is being built. Microsoft has not given a specific timeframe for when the flagship will open, but said it has been planning the store for five years. It will open in a spot currently occupied by luxury accessories brand Fendi, a few blocks south of an Apple store.

Matthews, N.C. – Family Dollar Stores Inc. launches its “Ad Match Promise” program on Sept. 30. When presented with a local competitor’s printed advertisement, Family Dollar stores will match the competitor’s price.

Over the last decade, U.S. airport in-terminal dining and retail programs have begun a transformation. As passengers’ time spent within terminals has increased, the demand for enhanced airport in-terminal experiences has equally increased. In turn, the state and local governments that own and operate all commercial service U.S. airports have shifted their retail and dining programs from generic offerings with minimal services to programs with a wide variety of specialty retail and dining brands, innovative technology and upscale amenities to respond to the new consumer expectations.

By now it’s old news that Apple plans to disrupt retail payment with its Apple Pay platform. However, lost in the hoopla surrounding Apple Pay was an interesting announcement that Apple is also working on a new interactive, piracy-proof digital music service that it hopes will bring consumers back to purchasing whole albums, as well as individual songs.

New York -- DSW Inc. is opening new stores in Watertown, New York, and Louisville, Kentucky, on Oct. 2. The Watertown store will be located in the Salmon Run Mall and the Louisville store will be located across from St. Matthew’s Mall.

DSW offers other features including the DSW Rewards loyalty program and the Shoe Lovers community on Facebook.

Despite posting increases in consolidated net and comparable store sales, the Finish Line’s second-quarter results fell short of its expectations, thanks to softness in the specialty retailer’s basketball offering.

Despite the slowdown in basketball-related sales, the running-related sales increased in the mid-single digits, driven by casual and performance styles. Consolidated net sales were $466.9 million, an increase of 7.1% over the prior year period. Comparable store sales increased 1.5%.

Milford, Conn. – Subway Restaurants is partnering with Diet Coke in a new omnichannel promotion with a grand prize of meeting pop singer Taylor Swift in person. The #MeetTaylor contest, which runs Oct. 1 – Nov. 15, includes restaurant, social, online, TV and radio promotions.

Limited-edition Diet Coke cups will feature Swift’s likeness and also will carry specially-marked codes for a chance to win, daily in October, a meet and greet opportunity with Taylor Swift on her 2015 concert tour.

Meijer has launched a first-of-its-kind food solutions program in each of its 213 stores. According to the retailer, “Ready! For You” is designed to meet the tastes and lifestyles of busy families by providing recipe ideas, inspiration and savings opportunities in-store and online.