Marketing Tactics

New York -- The TJX Cos. turned in the strongest performance among the discounters in October, reporting a 7% comp sales increase on Thursday.

According to TJX CEO Carol Meyrowitz, the above-plan performance has prompted the retailer to raise its outlook for the third quarter and full year. “We believe the momentum we are seeing in all of our businesses … bode well for the holiday selling season,” she said.

TJX sales for the period advanced 11% to $2.1 billion.

New York -- As the holidays approach and retailers are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, October same-store sales results showcased consistent strength in the department store category.

Nordstrom led the pack with a 9.8% rise in same-store sales for the month, and Macy’s Inc. had a solid showing as well.

New York -- With retail books closed prior to Hurricane Sandy’s arrival in the Northeast, most retailers experienced same-store sales gains for the month of October, some with stronger showings than others.

The 17 retail chains tracked by Thomson Reuters are predicted to report 4.3% growth in October same-store sales, up slightly over the 4.1% advance reported in the year-ago period and a significant gain over September’s 0.8% rise.

Endcaps at Target stores are touting the retailer’s “Top Toys,” selections for the upcoming holiday season. Meanwhile, real estate on side panels is being used to appeal to shoppers with smart phones who are encouraged to scan a QR code to complete an order and receive free shipping.
 

Target added to its roster of action sports athletes recently with the signing of Canadian freeskier Rosalind Groenewoud.

According to Target, she is affectionately recognized by many simply as Roz G and is known for her amplitude and large variety of tricks. Widely considered to be one of the most influential halfpipe skiers in the world she joins eight other elite action sports athletes representing Target.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s is donating $1 million to disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. Lowe’s will work with its national nonprofit partners to provide both immediate and long-term support to local communities across the Northeast.

WAYNE, N.J. — The Toys"R"Us Children's Fund has pledged a $500,000 donation to Save the Children, a global humanitarian organization, to support its initial work and assessment of needs for children and families in evacuation shelters. These funds will also help the organization distribute much-needed items, including hygiene kits, diapers, and baby wipes.

San Jose, Calif. -- Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corp. said Wednesday it has named Samantha Osselaer as VP marketing, effective Nov. 5.

Osselaer was most recently senior director, creative and branding, for Overstock.com and has also served as a creative VP for both Smith & Hawken and Macy’s.

As one of her duties, Osselaer will lead the branding and marketing of the chain’s new neighborhood store format that is currently being rolled out.

By Peter Burgoyne, [email protected]