Marketing Tactics

Chicago -- The Network of Executive Women (NEW) is honoring Michael Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, with its William J. Grize Diversity Hall of Fame Award, on June 28 during Women's Day at the LPGA in Rogers Ark.

The award, named after the late CEO of Ahold USA, who was an early advocate of industry diversity, is bestowed upon industry leaders who have demonstrated “an enduring commitment to the advancement of women and to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace,” NEW stated.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is responding to a report from the Federal Reserve, which revealed that debit card swipe fees collected by the nation's largest banks have significantly dropped since reform regulations took effect last fall.

St. Petersburg, Fla. -- Multichannel shopping retailer HSN Inc. reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended March 31 climbed 29% to $26.2 million, from $20.3 million in the year-ago period.

Results were boosted by robust sales from its Cornerstone unit, which includes banners such as Ballard Design, Frontgate and TravelSmith.

Revenue overall rose 5% to $747.3 million. Cornerstone saw an 11% sales rise to $205.4 million. HSN segment sales were up 3% to $541.9 million.

Target turned 50 this year, and chairman, president and CEO Gregg Steinhafel weighed in on the expect more, pay less (EMPL) value proposition, his 32-year career and miscellaneous other topics in a Q&A interview with the company’s online magazine known as “A Bullseye View.” To read a transcript of his comments click here.



 

Los Angeles -- Westfield announced that its Westfield Style fashion program is launching personal styling services on demand at select Westfield centers in May. 

The focal point of the new offering is the Westfield Style Lounge, a dedicated space in the mall where professional stylists will provide free personalized style consultations for shoppers. Additionally, shoppers can get advice on demand right from their mobile phone via the new Ask A Stylist service. Shoppers e-mail a photo of their look to the on-call stylist for an instant response.

Green Bay, Wis. -- Shopko Stores, through a partnership with Wishabi, is now offering customers access to a digital circular online at Shopko.com.

Burlington, Ontario -- Ikea Canada announced Tuesday that it is one of three pilot countries to bring store information via Android phones or iPhones.

Effective May 2, the Ikea Mobile Shopping Application will enable customers to browse Ikea's product range, check product information and stock availability. The new application also allows the creation of shopping lists that include the product's location for pick up in the store. Customers can also access a store map on their phone to make navigating through the store easier.

CHICAGO — Consumers’ confidence in their personal finances is returning to levels seen in first quarter 2011, according to SymphonyIRI Group’s latest MarketPulse survey, released Friday. But while confidence remains high, the same consumers remain frugal.