Marketing Tactics

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Dannon's Greek yogurt brand Oikos has teamed up with chef, restaurateur, and winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, Richard Blais, to help Americans create tasty, nutritious holiday recipes that will be a hit with guests.

“Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to compromise on nutrition,” said Blais. “I am excited to work with Dannon Oikos on their Tasty Additions to Your Traditions campaign and provide recipes that are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.”

New York -- For the second year in a row, Macy’s stores nationwide will open at midnight on Black Friday, Friday, Nov. 23.

A new Black Friday feature on Macy’s mobile app will help customers browse and shop for specials specific to their local store.

Chicago -- OfficeMax announced that it has appointed Kim Feil as executive VP and chief marketing and strategy officer, effective Nov. 12.

Feil will have accountability for all aspects of marketing across the enterprise, with particular emphasis on brand management and evolution of the company's traditional marketing vehicles to new media including digital and social.

Most recently, Feil served as chief marketing officer and corporate VP for Walgreens.

By Bill Martin, ShopperTrak Founder

The ShopperTrak holiday forecast for increased sales and foot traffic should encourage retailers. Our analysis suggests the 38 shopping days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve — coupled with two “extra” weekends — will contribute to a strong shopping season.

To recap the forecast:

Whiting, Ind. -- More than one-quarter (27%) of U.S. adults will use their smartphone or tablet for their holiday shopping this year, according to new survey by CouponCabin.com. In addition, 83% of those who will use their smartphone for holiday shopping this year report they will be doing so because of the convenience.

The survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from Sept. 26 – Sept. 28, 2012 among 2,523 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens on Monday reported October sales of $6 billion, down 2.1% compared with October 2011. The results include the brunt of the impact from Hurricane Sandy — at the peak of the storm, approximately 750 of 1,400 stores in the impacted area were closed, Walgreens said. Nearly all of those locations have since reopened.

Total same-store sales were down 5.9%.

Walmart’s decision to sell, and more importantly, actively promote, a $98 Internet-connected television device called Boxee TV could help shape the future of in-home content delivery.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion has partnered with the American Red Cross to accept register and online donations to support disaster-relief efforts and help replenish the American Red Cross Disaster Relief funds in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Appliance manufacturer Electrolux has joined the effort to help with Sandy relief. The company has announced a $100,000 commitment to the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. In addition, the company will match employee contributions up to another $100,000.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro has provided $100,000 in combined grant support through the Hasbro Children’s Fund to the American Red Cross, World Vision and Feeding America to support their relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, over 10,000 games have been donated to shelters along the east coast.