Marketing Tactics

The modern case for mixed-use retail
We have a tendency to take things that have been with us forever, reinvent them, and give them new names. Mixed-use centers, for instance, are essentially the 21st century version of downtowns. But whereas America’s towns grew up organically alongside harbors, rivers, and transportation crossroads, mixed-use centers aren’t always able to be so logically placed.
Toys ‘R’ Us testing AR to make stores digital playgrounds
Toys "R" Us is doubling down on its new brand positioning, “Today We Play.” The retailer announced it has begun testing an augmented reality app, called Play Chaser, in 23 stores nationwide, with a chainwide roll-out planned for Oct. 21. Developed in partnership with PlayFusion, the free app allows users to activate different AR mini games and play experiences on their smart device while in Toys "R" Us stores.

Canadian athletic wear retailer to make U.S. store debut

RYU Apparel is coming to the Big Apple. RYU (Respect Your Universe) announced plans to open a store in in the hip Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The 2,800-sq.-ft. store, the brand's first in the U.S., will open in the first quarter of 2018.
Dollar General to offer tuition assistance

Dollar General wants to make it easier for its employees to pursue higher education. In a newly announced partnership with Bellevue University, all full-time and part-time Dollar General employees now qualify for $8,000 and $5,250 respectively in tuition assistance after working at Dollar General for a minimum of 30 days. Plus, immediate family members of employees are eligible for up to $2,625, as well.
Analysis: How acquisition of TaskRabbit will benefit Ikea

The acquisition of TaskRabbit allows Ikea to efficiently remove one key barrier (the dislike of furniture assembly) for a segment of customers that have until this point avoided Ikea.
Walmart in ‘brand’ new move against Amazon

Walmart is about to debut a new initiative to bolster its defenses against its biggest rival. The discounter's Jet.com site is launching a higher-end private-label brand of household and grocery essentials. The new brand, called Uniquely J, will launch in the coming months with a curated selection of products that include such essentials as coffee, olive oil, laundry detergent, paper towels, and more. Additional items will be added.
Specialty menswear retailer is introducing a new stylist — her name is Alexa

A new Alexa skill is helping Perry Ellis’ customers dress for any occasion. The menswear brand is assisting its shoppers with the “Ask Perry Ellis” Amazon Alexa skill. Called the first-of-its-kind, voice-activated skill, the technology supports a modern, frictionless shopping experience that enables customers to use their voice to find the right look, and shop for merchandise.
Toys ‘R’ Us in ‘play’ mode

The nation's largest toy retailer wants everyone to take some time out to play. Toys "R" Us announced that, this fall, it is launching "play labs" at 42 stores where kids (and parents) can play with some of the season's hottest toys. The retailer said that adults can use the lab to test the items on kids' holiday lists to check for age appropriateness before they make a purchase.
Unlikely partners collaborate on exclusive clothing line

What happens when a fast-fashion giant crosses a leading fast-food company? For two companies, it spurred a new fashion collection. Forever 21 and Taco Bell are teaming up to launch an apparel line called The Forever 21 x Taco Bell collection. The line features tops, bodysuits and cropped hoodies for women; a sweatshirt, hoodie and anorak jacket for men, and graphic tees, a pullover and hoodie for girls. All merchandise features each brand’s iconic graphics highlighted by a mix of vibrant prints and colors.
Discount giant steps up hurricane relief efforts — again

Walmart is allocating more funds to hurricane relief. The discount giant announced that it will donate another $5 million in support of Hurricane Maria relief. This is in addition to its previous commitment of $35 million in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Survey: Most shoppers will visit stores this holiday season

Unfazed by store closures, shoppers plan to get most of their holiday shopping done in-store this year. Nearly three-quarters of consumers (71%) plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in physical stores — the same percentage from a similar poll a year ago. Additionally, the vast majority (88%) plan to at least visit stores this holiday season.
Macy’s revamps loyalty program

Macy's is overhauling its loyalty program, putting a new focus on its best customers. The department store retailer is revamping its Star Rewards program with a tiered rewards system that gives its very best shoppers (those who spend $1,200 or more annually) such perks as free shipping, additional savings and earned points on every purchase.