Marketing Tactics

MONTVALE, N.J. — Grocer A&P has announced the launch of a brand-new line of Angus beef in its stores.

Woodson & James choice Angus beef, exclusive to A&P banner stores, will replace the current beef steak and roast offerings in all A&P, Pathmark, Superfresh, Waldbaum's and Food Emporium stores beginning May 27.

The new and exclusive Woodson & James Angus beef line features U.S. Department of Agriculture choice Angus beef that is grain-fed and single-sourced.

Minneapolis — Target announced its donation of funds and product to support tornado relief efforts in Minnesota.

The funds, which totaled $50,000, will help the efforts of the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.

“We take seriously our responsibility as a retailer, employer and community member to aid in times of need,” Target chairman, president and CEO Gregg Steinhafel said. “Before and after a crisis, communities can count on Target.”

NEW YORK — Creative agency Kaplan Thaler Group has been tapped to run Supervalu’s latest ad campaign, according to a blog posted on the Kaplan Thaler Group site Monday.

As lead creative agency, the Kaplan Thaler Group’s responsibilities will encompass advertising, digital and direct marketing across all Supervalu banners — including Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, Hornbacher’s and Save-A-Lot.

SAN FRANCISCO — Fresh & Easy has announced the opening dates for its first two stores in San Francisco.

The retail chain said that the stores, which will open on June 22 and Aug. 24, will create more than 50 jobs. What's more, Fresh & Easy also invites area residents to nominate a local, nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 donation for each new store opening. Based on the nominations from the neighborhood, store employees will select the winning charity.

WASHINGTON — An Associated Press/GfK poll released Friday determined that rising gas prices will cause “serious” hardship for as much as 41% of Americans.

Almost 3-in-4 adults acknowledged that $4 per gallon or more at the pump will at least cause some hardship.

Last week’s issue of Target News Now contained some inaccurate information relating to the level of promotional activity during April at some of the nation’s leading retailers. The correct information along with a link to a revised chart provided by research company Market Track is below.

Sharp pricing on an expanded assortment of food and consumables is one way for Target to get customers to shop its stores more frequently, but this week saw the company break out another type of trip generator with the cover of its weekly ad featuring tee shirts and shorts at an opening price point of $3.

At that price, moms have pretty low expectations of quality. Cut and color matter more than the finish work on seams, since the clothes only need to last for a couple months until summer. The garments will be outgrown by next summer and the cycle repeats itself.

Ann Arbor, Mich.  — Borders announced that it has expanded its partnership with Kobo, the maker of an e-reader that at $129.99 is about $10 to $20 less than the Kindle and Nook, respectively. The new partnership, according to Borders, with give customers access to new state-of-the-art free e-reading apps and e-reading technology; access to over 2.3 million books, newspapers and magazines; and a unique, industry-first social reading experience, positioning Borders as a strong competitor in the digital space.

OBERLIN, Ohio — Walmart and Target are the top go-to retail stores for college students, according to a new study.

VENLO, The Netherlands — Vistaprint N.V., a leading online provider of professional marketing products and services to micro businesses and the home, announced that Don LeBlanc will assume the role of chief marketing officer for Vistaprint's North American Business Unit. LeBlanc assumes the role vacated by Trynka Shineman, who was promoted to the position of president of Vistaprint's North American business unit earlier this year.