Marketing Tactics

Washington, D.C. — Sam's Club has pledged more than $2 million in donations to nonprofits supporting small business growth. The announcement was made by Sam's Club president and CEO Rosalind Brewer.

"At Sam’s Club our small business owners are our partners, and we want to put our money where our mission is — which is to be agents for and support our members and the small business community," said Brewer, addressing guests at the Dream Big Small Business of the Year awards luncheon at the Shoreham Hotel.

Nashville, Tenn. -- Kirkland's first-quarter profit dropped 38% amid promotions and price cuts. The company also issued disappointing predictions for the current quarter and full year.

Kirkland’s said it earned $2 million for the quarter ended April 28, down from $3.2 million last year.

Sales rose 3.6% to $97.8 million from $94.4 million. Same-store sales edged down 1.2%.

The home décor chain said it increased marketing to counter a drop in sales.

Grapevine, Texas -- GameStop said Thursday that net income for the quarter ended April 28 slid to $72.5 million, from $80.4 million in the same period last year, negatively impacted by weakened demand in the video game market.

Sales for the quarter declined 12.2% to $2 billion, compared with $2.28 billion in the prior year quarter. As previously announced, same-store sales dropped 12.5%.
 

PORTLAND, Ore. and SEATTLE — Safeway has launched its Just for U online and mobile shopping tool in its Oregon and Washington divisions. Customers in these areas will now be able receive targeted savings to their Safeway Club card by signing up for free online at Safeway.com or accessing Just for U through the new Safeway Mobile App for iPhone or Android.

Portland, Ore. -- Safeway launched an online and mobile shopping program, called Just for U, in the company's Oregon and Washington divisions. The program, which delivers targeted savings directly to a customer's Safeway Club Card, can be accessed through the new Safeway Mobile App for iPhone or Android.

New York -- J. Sainsbury Plc is in talks with retailers in the United States and South America to license the technology behind Sainsbury’s Brand Match, a price promise that has fueled sales outperformance, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The Brand Match program ensures shoppers don’t pay more for branded goods such as Coca- Cola at Sainsbury than at competitors by checking more than 14,000 items, including offers and promotions at the point-of-sale. Customers are given a coupon if an item is priced cheaper at a rival.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif — Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has launched a new range of over 50 pre-seasoned, ready-to-cook items in stores just in time for the summer grilling season. The "Ready to Cook" line includes beef, pork, chicken, fish and vegetable options all pre-marinated or pre-seasoned ready to go straight in the skillet, microwave or on the grill.

Sam's Club shoppers in Mexico who have a hankering for deep dish pizza will soon be able to satisfy their craving thanks to a new deal with Uno Foods and Sam's Club. Uno's deep dish pizza, artisan thin crust varieties and other items will be distributed at Sam's Clubs throughout Mexico.