Marketing Tactics

Akron, Ohio - Sterling Jewelers and Zale Corporation have reached a negotiated settlement of a lawsuit pending in The United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The suit, originally filed in November 2012, alleged that Zale was engaging in false advertising by calling one of its diamonds “the most brilliant diamond in the world.”

The settlement will go into effect March 2014. Details are confidential.

The rapid spread of a presumably false rumor about Jack Nicholson retiring from acting last week got me thinking about what a true Hollywood icon he has become and how he took a very unique path to greatness. Retailers aspiring to greatness in their social efforts may want to “be like Jack” in the way they apply social media technology.

Know your own strengths

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie is stepping into the digital arena for its latest advertising campaign with a social media contest to find who will get to be featured in an “I’m Beef People” advertising circular or outdoor billboard. 

The “I’m Beef People” local campaign also supports Winn-Dixie’s recent introduction of WD Brand Choice Angus Beef to all Winn-Dixie stores.

Macy’s is looking to enhance its appeal to Millennial customers by expanding its athletic apparel assortment, which will include Nike, the North Face, Under Armour, Calvin Klein Performance and Ideology, to more stores this fall and the addition of Helly Hansen in select locations. 

This expansion is part of the retailer’s Millennial strategy designed to attract a new generation of customers looking for trend, style and value. Macy’s will begin rolling out new product for men, women and kids to stores and on macys.com this month.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Electronic Arts has entered into a multi-year endorsement deal with the captain of the U.S. Soccer National Team, Clint Dempsey. As part of the deal, Dempsey will serve as EA Sports Football Ambassador. 

Dempsey, attacking midfielder and member of the Seattle Sounders, will make his FIFA franchise debut in a FIFA 14 GameStop commercial. The full 30-second ad spot features Dempsey coaching a fan through various post-goal celebration moves. 

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Orchard Supply Hardware has launched a mobile app to mark the company’s 82nd anniversary during its upcoming Founder’s Day weeklong event.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has teamed up with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and apparel company West Coast Novelty Group, one of the organization's corporate sponsors, to offer an expanded line of Support the Cure merchandise at all Shopko stores. 

Sam's Club has donated more than $1 million to the YMCA to expand a program designed to address health issues among residents of underserved neighborhoods, along with a diabetes-prevention program.

The retailer also announced that it will be offering diabetes screenings at its pharmacies next week.

Beauty.com is offering a free gift as an incentive for shoppers to spend at least $100 on the site. The Heartbeat Bag, developed by the creative force behind New York fashion line, Honor, is a clutch filled with products.

The black cosmetics case is clad in white hearts and has white lining dotted with black hearts. Shoppers can store beauty products in the translucent pink windows. The inside and outside of the clutch are waterproof.

Mom Brands will be making a donation to the Breakfast Club of Canada. For every bag of Sally’s ready-to-eat cereals purchased at Canadian Walmart stores from now until Dec. 31, Mom Brands will donate 5 cents to the Breakfast Club of Canada, up to $75,000.