Marketing Tactics

After a nearly two-year absence, Toys "R" Us is returning to Times Square — but not on a permanent basis.  

The Ivanka Trump brand is making its second foray into freestanding retail.   The company will open a location in Trump Tower on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue this fall, giving the tourists who visit the site a chance to buy Ivanka Trump-branded merchandise, Bloomberg reported.    The brand previously had a jewelry shop in Manhattan, which closed in 2015. It also shuttered its only other location, a luxury shop in Beijing.  

Everyone’s trying to figure out what drives consumers to purchase. But to understand how they shop, you need to know what makes them tick.   Alliance Data’s Analytics and Insights Institute conducted a study with more than 2,400 respondents to better understand consumer buying habits and expectations. These insights, cross-referenced with results from our "Understanding Customer Loyalty" study, confirmed that consumer buying habits track closely with life stage and each generation’s cultural identity.

Target is getting more pet-friendly as it extends its partnering initiatives with popular online retail brands.   The discounter announced it will sell toys and treats from Bark, the company that operates subscription-based online pet supplies retailer BarkBox. It's the first time Bark products will be available in retail stores.    Based in New York City, Bark launched in 2012 and now counts over 500,000 subscribers. It is known for its fun and quirky toy and natural treat lines.

Retailers are eager to combat the force of Amazon, but they lack the strategy, marketing dollars and digital resources to do so.   Specifically, 44% of retailers do not know how to respond to the power of Amazon, according to “A New Path for Retail: Co-Existing with the Force of Amazon.” The report is from Bluecore, a commerce decision platform provider.  

Simon is debuting a new type of concierge — one that never calls in sick.   The mall owner launched a chatbot designed to deliver customers at its 208 North American centers useful information as they shop.  Described as the industry’s first enterprise-wide bot, the artificial intelligence-based technology is available through Facebook Messenger, and provides store and restaurant information, hours of operation, special events, daily promotions and a list of available amenities.  

Timberland has opened a new concept store that will be completely transformed with a new theme and products every six weeks.  

Hunter, best known for its signature rain boots, is expanding its fledgling retail footprint.   The iconic British brand will make its North American freestanding retail debut in October, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.   

Target Corp. and Best Buy didn't just talk the talk when it came to killing a border adjustment tax on imports that was the centerpiece of House Republicans tax reform plan.    In the first six months of 2017, Best Buy spent $1.71 million in lobbying efforts, twice as much as it spent the entire year in 2016, the Star Tribune reported. Target Corp. spent $1.48 million lobbying from January through June 2017, which was slightly less than it spent all of last year.