Marketing Tactics

SOUTHPORT, Conn. — Sturm, Ruger & Company, a firearms manufacturer, announced that the company has been named Vendor of the Year by Cabela’s.

BOULDER, Col. — H&M is the fashion retailer that consumers reported visiting for the first time most often, followed by Kohl’s, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21.

That’s according to a survey of 4,000 consumers by Market Force Information, a global customer intelligence solutions company, which found that 39% had tried a new retailer in the past three months, an increase from 32% in 2011 and 14% in 2010.  

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has launched its 30th annual fundraising campaign to benefit the March of Dimes. Donors can contribute in-store at any Kmart and online via a link at kmart.com/marchofdimes. M

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Monday by Temkin revealed that, based on a study of 10,000 U.S consumers, American Express and USAA earned the top spots in the credit card sector.

According to the 2013 Temkin Experience Ratings, HSBC was the lowest rated credit card issuer for the third consecutive year.

"USAA and American Express set the pace for customer experience in credit cards while HSBC is a real black sheep in the industry," said Bruce Temkin, managing partner, Temkin Group.

Boulder, Col. -- More consumers are trying new fashion retailers this year compared to last year – and most are buying when they do. H&M is the retailer that consumers reported visiting for the first time most often, followed by Kohl’s, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and Forever 21.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General reported Monday net income of $317 million for the quarter ended Feb. 1, compared with $293 million in the year-ago period, beating Wall Street expectations. The company also forecasted 2013 sales growth of 10%-12%, slightly below analysts’ views.

Revenue edged up 0.5% to $4.21 billion in the quarter, missing Wall Street’s expected $4.26 billion. Same-store sales rose 3%.

For the full year, profit grew to $953 million from $767 million, and revenue rose 8.2% to $16.02 billion.

Philadelphia -- Philadelphia’s Center City District, a private-sector sponsored business improvement district, announced on Friday that it has retained Madison Marquette Retail Services to lease the retail space for Dilworth Plaza.

As part of a major transformation of Dilworth Plaza, premium retail space for the operation of a café concept is available, encompassing 600 sq. ft. with indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate 60.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble is giving away a free Nook Simple Touch e-reader, which retails for $79, to any customer who buys its high-definition Nook HD+ tablet between March 24 and March 31.

The offer is available at all Barnes & Noble stores, Barnes & Noble College Bookstores and online. It also is being offered through other retailers that sell Nook products, including Walmart.com, Target and Best Buy.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Pepsi has unveiled a new single-serve bottle, marking its first design update since 1996.  The new bottle will be rolled out in markets nationwide starting in April in 16-ounce and 20-ounce packaging, with full conversion taking a few years. 

That old expression about everything being bigger in Texas was given more credence today with the grand opening of a 40,000-sq.-ft. Golfsmith superstore in Houston.

The store, one of 10 planned openings for 2013, is what the company calls its Xtreme format. The new location in the west Houston suburb of Katy gives the company five Houston locations, 13 stores throughout Texas and more than 150 locations nationwide.