Marketing Tactics

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Children's Place Retail Stores is the latest retailer to report fourth-quarter sales that were negatively impacted by the unseasonably warm weather this winter. The company said that comparable-store sales for the quarter declined 2.7%, and net sales were up only slightly (0.9%) to $457.5 million from $453.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2010. 

Children's Place also reported a drop in income from continuing operations after tax from $32.7 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, to $24.2 million, or 97 cents per diluted share.

By Suzy Stewart, DHR International

It appears that 2010 was a real turning point for retailers going to the outside to find experienced and talented omnichannel executives.

Yonkers, N.Y. -- After three consecutive months of improvement, the Consumer Reports Index for March slipped to 46.1, from 49.6 last month.

March's Consumer Reports Index measures overall consumer financial health and showed that the confidence of the American consumer is waning.

Further challenging consumer confidence, The Trouble Tracker Index increased slightly this month to 52.2 from 49.1 in February, and is now at its highest level since August 2011.

Carlisle, Pa. — Giant Food Stores, based in Carlisle, Pa., announced the launch of a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that it said syncs with a customer's BonusCard, provides access to an online account and allows customers to check point totals for Gas Extra Rewards and A+ School Rewards and view personalized savings offers.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens on Tuesday announced the availability of an exclusive new offering for customers that check in at any Walgreens store nationwide through Foursquare.

The drugstore chain said customers that check in via Foursquare instantly will receive a unique scannable coupon via their smartphone, which is redeemable in the store and does not require texting, reply or other steps.


New York City -- A Tuesday report by Mobile Commerce Daily said that Victoria’s Secret is furthering its m-commerce initiative by running mobile commerce-enabled ads that allow consumers to shop directly from their handsets no matter where they are.

The ads are running within Us Weekly’s mobile site.

Two different ads encourage consumers to tap on the ad to be redirected to the company’s landing page, where they can shop the advertised promotions.

New York City -- In a conference call to investors on Tuesday, Foot Locker announced an updated strategic plan and financial initiatives intended to elevate the retailer’s performance for the 2012 to 2016 period.

Las Vegas -- Internet retailer GRB Holdings on Monday announced the launch of two new e-commerce websites: GreenThumbDecor.com and SilverGroupMall.com/SG1277.