Marketing Tactics

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in April 2012 vs. April 2013 and noticed some common overall trends across top retail chains.  While looking at the data, the biggest change from April 2012 to April 2013 came from Lowe’s Home Improvement.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — American Giant, a California-based apparel brand for men which operates through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model, has launched a womenswear line. 

The first women's offerings will consist of both heavyweight and mid-weight sweatshirts and a jersey knit line, all made in America and sold exclusively online. Women will be able to pick from seven styles, all made from 100% pre-washed cotton and shrunk to fit and priced from $19.50 to $89.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples is not necessarily a name synonymous with home décor and specifically wall art, but the office products company is looking to change that with the launch of its Sports & Art Photo Gallery. 

Simpsonville, Ky. -- Following on the heels of successful outlet projects in Atlanta and Oklahoma City, CBL & Associates Properties and Horizon Group Properties announced another joint venture – to co-develop The Outlet Shoppes at Louisville, in Simpsonville, Ky.

San Diego -- Despite being the most tech-savvy generation in history, Generation Y, the 80-million strong cohort of Americans between the ages of 18 and 35, has not forsaken shopping in stores for online purchasing – as long as retailers keep their offerings "fresh" and interesting, according to a new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Known for its “World Famous Almond Toffee,” Enstrom Candies is featuring three new flavors in a new impulse product line, featuring bite-size toffee for wholesale distribution.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday reported profit and sales that were just below Wall Street expectations as the giant retailer struggled with a number of issues that impacted its U.S. sales, from the payroll tax increase to an unseasonably cold spring to delayed tax returns. The discounter also scaled back its earnings expectations for the current three-month period.

Wal-Mart’s net income rose 1.1% to $3.8 billion. Revenue edged up 1%, to $113.4 billion.

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. -- In what it called a “first-of-its-kind” installation at a drugstore chain, Nexxus Salon Hair Care unveiled a window display tribute to the Tony Awards and Broadway at the Duane Reade store across from Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. The installation was created by Simon Doonan, creative ambassador for Barneys New York, who is best known for his whimsical, and sometimes outrageous, window displays.