Marketing Tactics

Fort Lee, N.J. -- The majority of shoppers take notice of such packaging claims as "made in the USA," and most of them are more likely to purchase a product after breaking down demographics.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Aug. 27 surged to $26.2 million from $16.6 million last year, prompting the home goods retailer to raise its full-year adjusted profit forecast for the second time in three months.

Total sales increased 8.3% to $367.6 million from $339.6 million in the year-ago period, edging Wall Street’s expected $367.2 million in revenue. Same-store sales rose 6.7% on top of last year’s 10.8% gain.

By William Dudley, [email protected]

We, as a consumer society, are increasingly becoming “mail-order,” or more precisely, online patrons.  Companies such as Amazon, Ebay, Overstock.com, and other specialty retailers are putting increased pressure on traditional brick and mortar shops by offering customers mobile-friendly apps and browsers, adding convenience to their shopping experience.  

CHICAGO — As holiday sales and foot traffic historically account for about 20% of annual retail activity, a new report by ShopperTrak revealed that consumers will shop more and visit more stores during the peak holiday shopping months of November and December.

The overall drop in number of circulars continued this month, with a six percent decrease in the number of inserts being released to the market among selected retailers.  

The overall number of pages per market remained the same with a marginal increase compared to previous year. Walmart had the largest increase in pages per market with a larger focus on “Back to School” with 5 circulars with a prominent “Back to School” theme.  

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is launching a six-month, nationwide health-and-wellness campaign to mark its 50 years of operation, the retail pharmacy chain said Wednesday.

RA50, as the new campaign is called, began Wednesday near the company's headquarters in Camp Hill, Pa., and will move on to the Pennsylvania state capital of Harrisburg Thursday through Saturday. Afterward, it will move on to Baltimore; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Scranton, Pa.; Cleveland; Detroit; Portland, Ore.; Los Angeles; Atlanta; Norfolk, Va.; and New York.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer's "Simply Give Week" garnered more than $145,000 in donations from its customers. The effort, combined with the commitment from Meijer to double all donations made Sept. 2 to 8, brought the week's total donation to $437,400, Meijer co-chairman Hank Meijer said.

Meijer launched Simply Give Week to support Hunger Action Month in September and highlights its continuing commitment to hunger relief.

And the award for most effective use of social media in the pet category goes to…

Global pet care leader Nestle Purina has created a new national contest called "The Friskies" with a $15,000 grand prize that is sure to set off a new round of online cat videos.

According to the company, many great art forms have awards for the best new work created each year. Films have the Oscars, TV shows have the Emmys and now Internet cat videos have The Friskies.

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Gap Foundation at a special gathering at the company's San Francisco headquarters on Sept. 13.

“We’re proud to celebrate 35 years of Gap Inc. employees fulfilling the promise made by Doris and Don Fisher to ‘do more than sell clothes,’” said Bobbi Silten, president of Gap Foundation. “It’s an exciting milestone for everyone involved with the company.”

WAYNE, N.J. — Get them in early and often seems to be the motto for Toys”R”Us this year, as the toy retailer is hoping new initiatives will encourage customers shop for holiday toys well before December.