Marketing Tactics

Aliso Viejo, Calif. — Honduras has welcomed Johnny Rockets to its first location in the country at City Mall Tegucigalpa. It is the second Central American restaurant — the first opened in Panama City in 2010. The new restaurant spans 2,266 sq. ft. plus a 365-sq.-ft. terrace. It seats 105 diners.

The largest shopping center in the Honduran capital, City Mall features more than 300 shops and restaurants; eight Cinemark theatres; and parking for 1,500 cars.

Milford, Conn. – Subway is entering a cross-platform advertising partnership with NBCUniversal for its new interactive game show “Million Second Quiz.” In addition to providing gift cards to contestants during the course of the show, Subway will offer photo opportunities and social media engagements.

Other aspects of the joint campaign will include messaging on Facebook and Twitter, a prize of a year’s worth of foot-long subs via an NBC radio promotion, and a Subway presence in the live stream both online and in the MSQ App.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Orchard Supply Hardware has launched a mobile app to mark the company’s 82nd anniversary during its upcoming Founder’s Day weeklong event.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie is stepping into the digital arena for its latest advertising campaign with a social media contest to find who will get to be featured in an “I’m Beef People” advertising circular or outdoor billboard. 

The “I’m Beef People” local campaign also supports Winn-Dixie’s recent introduction of WD Brand Choice Angus Beef to all Winn-Dixie stores.

Akron, Ohio - Sterling Jewelers and Zale Corporation have reached a negotiated settlement of a lawsuit pending in The United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The suit, originally filed in November 2012, alleged that Zale was engaging in false advertising by calling one of its diamonds “the most brilliant diamond in the world.”

The settlement will go into effect March 2014. Details are confidential.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has teamed up with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and apparel company West Coast Novelty Group, one of the organization's corporate sponsors, to offer an expanded line of Support the Cure merchandise at all Shopko stores. 

Macy’s is looking to enhance its appeal to Millennial customers by expanding its athletic apparel assortment, which will include Nike, the North Face, Under Armour, Calvin Klein Performance and Ideology, to more stores this fall and the addition of Helly Hansen in select locations. 

This expansion is part of the retailer’s Millennial strategy designed to attract a new generation of customers looking for trend, style and value. Macy’s will begin rolling out new product for men, women and kids to stores and on macys.com this month.

The rapid spread of a presumably false rumor about Jack Nicholson retiring from acting last week got me thinking about what a true Hollywood icon he has become and how he took a very unique path to greatness. Retailers aspiring to greatness in their social efforts may want to “be like Jack” in the way they apply social media technology.

Know your own strengths