Marketing Tactics

Winnipeg, Manitoba — Silver Jeans Co. has announced the opening of a loft concept store at La Plaza Mall in McAllen, Texas, on Sept. 13.

“We put a lot of work into making sure the store environment represents our brand,” said Michael Silver, Silver Jeans’ CEO. The 1,536-sq.-ft. loft will feature digital technology with a mobile point-of-sale system. A 6-ft media wall will display the latest ad campaign and music videos.

New York – Verizon Wireless has partnered with All-Rite Construction Company to launch the flagship store of its new Viva Movil premium retail banner aimed at Latino customers. Located in Brooklyn,N.Y., the 3,000-sq.-ft. store features sleek, ultra-modern interiors, lounge-like atmosphere and immersive media displays. The intent is to provide in-store customers with an integrated omni-channel experience.

Charlotte, N.C. – Belk is teaming up with social, mobile and digital engagement platform ePrize, as well as Pinterest and Instagram marketing analytics suite provider Curalate to launch a Pinterest campaign aimed at brides called “Pin to Win.” At a high level, during the promotion consumers will visit a sweepstakes microsite where they can "pin" a pre-populated pin board image based on their bridal type or select an image of their own for a chance to win a $5,000 Belk gift card.

Boston – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill authorizing a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts for the upcoming weekend of Aug. 10. The bill gives consumers a one-time break on the state’s 6.25% sales tax on any ordinarily taxed retail items individually worth up to $2,500. The break does not extend to vehicles, motor boats, tobacco, meals and utilities.

Massachusetts did not offer a sales tax holiday in 2009 but otherwise has designated one weekend in August as a sales tax holiday every year since 2004.

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney has named Debra Berman as senior VP marketing. Berman previously served as VP marketing strategy and engagement at Kraft Foods Group since 2009.

Facebook is taking another step toward monetizing its vast audience of plugged-in consumers with the planned introduction of paid video ads. As reported in numerous media outlets, Facebook intends to launch 15-second video ads that will play in a user’s newsfeed three times per day for as much $2.5 million per spot.

Efforts to revitalize the J.C. Penney brand are now under the leadership of Debra Berman, a former Kraft and advertising executive who was named SVP of marketing at the struggling retailer.

Berman most recently served as vp of marketing strategy and engagement at Kraft where she was responsible for marketing strategy and engagement, directing global brand strategy and customer engagement for all Kraft-owned brands and leading Kraft's marketing communications Center of Excellence.

SAN DIEGO — Petco is leveraging social media to engage existing customers, entice new ones and, as part of its mission statement, help out shelters in need with its “Be a Great One” contest. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears is touting its Team Up to Stop Bullying program to parents, educators and students during the back-to-school season. The program is open to customers and Shop Your Way members.

Participants can experience the Sears "Jean Scene" activities in four different ways this month.

NEW YORK — Soupman Inc., the parent company of The Original SoupMan, is about to see "the soup that made 'Seinfeld' famous" hit shelves at nearly 500 Walmart stores. 

The brand's soups, which are already sold in more than 4,000 supermarkets nationwide, include the classic soups that made the company famous: lobster bisque, chicken noodle, lentil and tomato bisque.