Marketing Tactics

Chicago Sports Depot, a one-stop shopping destination for all things White Sox as well as other Chicago sports teams, offers consumers the ultimate in sports merchandising. The 15,000-sq.-ft. store was developed through a close collaboration between Delaware North Companies and the Chicago White Sox, with RGLA Solutions, Schiller Park, Ill., serving as the design architect.

Los Angeles -- SkuLoop, a retail solution provider offering a suite of tools that allows retailers and brands to build their own digital promotions, announced that veteran fashion executive Trent MacLean has joined its board of advisors. He previously served as president and COO of 7 for all Mankind and Paige Denim, and prior to that as president of Liz Claiborne Casual Sportswear and president of Liz Claiborne Canada.

New York City -- Saks Fifth Avenue said Friday that, during February, it will give 5% of all registered purchases made with a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to local charities.

Saks Fifth Avenue has partnered with 194 charitable organizations nationwide.

“We appreciate our customers’ charitable involvement and look forward to giving back locally with this exciting and newly implemented national program,” said Steve Sadove, chairman and CEO, Saks Inc.

Washington, D.C. -- The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index revealed Thursday that consumer confidence in the U.S. climbed for the second week in a row, suggesting rising optimism about economic issues.

The Index rose to minus 44.8 in the period to Jan. 29 from minus 46.4 the previous week. A measure of Americans’ view of the state of economy climbed to the highest since June, according to the report.

For Valentine’s Day, mall owner General Growth Properties has challenged shoppers to power up their mobile devices to “search for the love” at a GGP mall. Effective Feb. 1, customers began entering the Where Is the Love? sweepstakes by finding and scanning love-themed QR codes hidden throughout participating GGP malls.

New York City -- The nation’s apparel retailers reported mixed results for January as shoppers remain cautious about spending in the uncertain economy.

“It was as tough month as retailers battled holiday hangover, lack of incentive to shop and mild winter that killed outerwear clearance," said Ken Perkins, president of RetailMetrics Inc., in a Reuters report.

As the first month of the year, January accounts for only 20% November-January sales, and 7% of annual sales, according to RetailMetrics.

Redmond, Wash. -- PlayNetwork on Wednesday announced a partnership with restaurant and entertainment chain Dick's Last Resort, to provide original video, social engagement and custom music programs.

PlayNetwork said it is producing "Dick's TV," which features a lineup of original programming and product promotions.

Boston -- A report released Wednesday by Boston Consulting Group said that, while 96% of companies are using Facebook and 83% are using Twitter, few have an overall marketing strategy that incorporates digital and includes clear metrics for success.

The report, Marketing Capabilities for the Digital Age, presents the findings of a BCG survey of marketing executives at 31 major corporations globally and presents an overview of the digital landscape.