Marketing Tactics

Walmart targets rival with relaunch
Walmart is looking to expand its share of the lucrative market for baby products. The discounter announced it is relaunching its Parent's Choice line of baby essentials with an expanded line of products and a new logo. Parent's Choice, which began 20 years ago with just baby formula, will grow to 275 items. The relaunch comes as Target Corp. has been focusing on baby with new Cloud Island baby brand, which recently added has bedding and nursery decor to its assortment.
Baton Rouge center recruits bloggers in re-brand
“Our belief is that retail and mixed-use places need to evolve or risk irrelevance,” said Trademark Property Co. CEO Terry Montesi, who’s putting that belief to the test at a mixed-use center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

DSW going back to its roots for store of the future
Disney testing new store design as part of omnichannel update

Disney is looking to update its customer experience, offline and online, in what it said represents "the next generation of Disney retail." The company is testing a new store prototype in select locations, including Century City, Calif.; Northridge, Calif.; Miami, Fla. (opening Sept. 28); Nagoya, Japan; and Shanghai, China. The prototype is designed to bring the magic of Disney to retail through innovative technology, storytelling and cast member interaction, the company stated.
American Eagle Outfitters in new loyalty offerings

American Eagle Outfitters has gone omnichannel with its loyalty program. The teen apparel retailer announced the launch of AEO Connected, a highly digitized loyalty program for its American Eagle and Aerie customers. Over 16 million current rewards members were immediately converted to AEO Connected.
Shoppertrak: December 2017 calendar to influence shopper behavior

This holiday season offers retailers something they haven't experienced in five years. For the first since 2012, there will be four Saturdays in December prior to Christmas Day, according to Shoppertrak, which noted that the busiest shopping day of the year will fall on Black Friday, Nov. 24. Saturday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 16 are expected to be the second and third busiest shopping days, respectively. (The full list is at the end of the article.)
State of the Industry Report and Chain Store Age Top 100
Butler employs social media to tame Irma’s effects

As Hurricane Irma moved northward up the Florida peninsula, Butler Enterprises was ready with a plan to use social media to keep beleaguered Gainesville residents supplied with necessities.
Report: Consumers to get early jump on holiday shopping

More and more Americans plan to get an early start on their holiday shopping. And they also plan on spending more. Nearly half (45%) of Americans plan to start holiday shopping before November, with one in four starting before October, according to RetailMeNot's 2017 Holiday Retail Trends and Guide. Retailers are capitalizing on this earlier start: Nearly 80% indicated they will begin holiday marketing efforts earlier this year.
Kroger creates new website to help identify local product vendors

Kroger on Friday launched a new website to welcome local and emerging brands to partner with the company.
Discounter opens 'store of the future'

Big Lots has finally unwrapped its store of the future. Located in the company's hometown of Columbus, Ohio, the store has a less promotional, softer look. Gaudy, aggressive signs have been replaced with more traditional aisle markers and color coding have replaced the chain's signs that "shouted" at customers, Columbus Business First reported. Customers are greeted with a big "Hello" on a wall as they enter, with a "thank you" sign on the way out.
Nordstrom in deal with fast-growing online apparel start-up

Nordstrom is collaborating with a retailer known for its high-quality, ethically made fashion basics and "radical transparency." The department store retailer's themed pop-up shop concept, Pop-In@Nordstrom, will be dedicated to a collection of products from Everlane. The in-store shop will launch in eight Nordstrom stores on Sept. 29, and run through Nov. 12. Items will also be available online.