Marketing Tactics

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation said it welcomed President Obama’s plans to boost travel and tourism, saying efforts to process visa applications more quickly will help U.S. stores make more sales to foreign tourists and business travelers who want to come here to shop.

Amstersdam — Ahold experienced several bright spots during its fourth quarter and full year, the Dutch-based supermarket company said.

Fourth-quarter net sales totaled $9.4 billion, a 4.5% increase above the year-ago period, while net sales for the year increased by 2.5% to $39.1 billion.

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens has transformed 68 locations in the Indianpolis market into health and daily living destinations.

The drug store chain hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday at a store located on 16th and Meridian in Indianapolis. On hand at the ceremony were Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson, former Indianpolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

The stores are part of Walgreens' pilot program that launched last year in Chicago.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has reintroduced its Guaranteed Value product line in an effort to help customers on a budget.

The line, which includes about 200 items, touts prices that are an average of 20% to 25% less than national brands. What's more, 60% of the items cost $2 or less. What's more, packaging for items that are part of Guaranteed Value have undergone a makeover, with the yellow, blue and red packaging being replaced with a bright orange and white design that highlights the value offered with each product.

BENSALEM, Pa. — Charming Shoppes announced that Elizabeth Crystal has joined Lane Bryant as SVP, chief marketing officer.

Crystal will develop and lead the brand positioning, marketing, and advertising strategies for the Lane Bryant and Cacique brands. She will serve as the brand strategist, working with senior leadership to elevate and expand the brand's presence, the company said.

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes announced that Elizabeth Crystal has joined Lane Bryant as senior VP/CMO.

Crystal will develop and lead the brand positioning, marketing, and advertising strategies for the Lane Bryant and Cacique brands. She was most recently the senior VP, worldwide marketing for Revlon and Almay Color Cosmetics.
 

An analysis of retailers’ ad circulars from throughout 2012 conducted by ECRM shows some familiar names dominate the list of top promoted brands and reveals some interesting movements among others.

The ECRM report shows use of circular print ads grew by 5.5% in 2011 despite increased activity overall in the areas of online, mobile and social.

SAN FRANCISCO — In an effort to help the thousands of troops returning home from serving overseas, Banana Republic has announced “Our Duty to You,” a program created to help military personnel prepare for their next professional opportunities. 

Springfield, N.J. -- Luxury watch maker Tag Heuer opened its second North American flagship boutique, an 800-sq.-ft. space in Aventura Mall, Aventura, Fla.

The store is designed as a "lifestyle lounge" and is adorned with Tag Heuer accessories that range from vintage stainless steel cufflinks to the brand's technologically advanced eyewear and communication devices.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare Rewards program now enables ExtraCare cardholders to send their quarterly ExtraBucks Rewards to their ExtraCare cards, eliminating the need for shoppers to carry paper rewards into their local CVS/pharmacy.