Marketing Tactics

Report: Department stores missing the mark in key digital area
When it comes to mobile, department stores have a ways to go. That's according to an annual report by L2's annual L2 Digital IQ Index: Department Stores 2017, which benchmarks the digital performance of 64 department stores operating in 14 markets globally. The report examines a brand's strengths and weaknesses across the four digital dimensions of site and e-commerce, digital marketing, mobile, and social.
Study: The missing link in omnichannel success is....
Retailers can gain huge competitive advantages in an increasingly digital marketplace by leveraging consumer insights. That's according to “The JDA Voice of the Category Manager.” The report, from JDA Software Group, tapped nearly 100 professionals responsible for category management and merchandising activity in North America.

Social network giant improves visual search engine

Pinterest is giving its image-based search engine an upgrade. Pinterest introduced Lens in February. Since then, users have been pointing their mobile cameras at objects they see out in the real world, from apparel and accessories to decor, and Lens serves up similar styles or related information on their mobile device’s screen.
Indochino, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta

Indochino's recently opened showroom at West Edmonton Mall showcases the omnichannel brand's stylish approach to customized menswear apparel. The 3,200-sq.-ft. space features eye-catching graphics, both on the exterior and interior, along with video screens that convey the brand's message of offering a “luxury tailoring experience without the high price tag.”
Washington Spotlight: Amazon and the Politics of Retail

The recent announcement that Amazon intends to purchase Whole Foods Market has the retail and grocery store industry reeling as traditional grocers assess the near and long-term impact that the online giant’s much larger position in the marketplace may have. And with good reason. Amazon is the classic “disruptor” and has changed the face of every industry it touches. But aside from the competitive aspects, this move potentially has significant political and policy impacts as well.
The Grocery Wars: How to build immunity against low-cost competitors
Online merchant ups the ante in online price war

eBay is stepping up its game in the online price war competition, and taking aim at low-cost rivals Walmart and Amazon, among others. Starting Tuesday, eBay launched its Price Match Guarantee on more than 50,000 deals in the United States. As the name suggests, the program promises that an eligible deal will be the best price available online, or eBay will match the lower price found on a competitor’s website.
Computer meltdown takes a toll on U.K. grocer’s home delivery service

A computer glitch is blamed for canceled orders and growing frustrations among Tesco’s home delivery customers. An IT meltdown impacted orders filtering into the U.K.-based supermarket giant’s online grocery shopping system. The glitch impacted orders being placed online, as well as those scheduled for delivery, according to customer posts on Twitter.
TJX Cos. bucks retail’s store closure trend

As a number of traditional chains across the industry continue to struggle, TJX Cos. is being called one of the country’s fastest growing retailers. Traditional retailers industry-wide are blaming shifting consumer tastes, digital options and new competitors for not only stealing their wallet share, but for declining foot traffic and related sales. However, this could not be farther from the truth for TJX Cos.
Study: Why shoppers choose offline over online

Physical stores still have some key benefits over online retail.
Wireless carrier expanding its store network in California

Sprint continues to expand its presence and investment in Southern California. The company plans to add more than 550 new jobs and 78 new retail locations throughout the Southland by the end of 2017. The new jobs will include a combination of retail, operations and technical experts. Currently, Sprint operates more than 300 branded retail locations throughout the Southern California region.
Mini-Bellagio fountain debuts at Plano center

Will public spaces be the new anchor tenants in the shopping centers and mixed-use facilities of the 21st Century? That’s the opinion of J. Wickham Zimmerman, whose construction company Outside the Lines is unveiling a Bellagio-esque fountain that will present choreographed water shows at Legacy West in Plano, Texas. “Retailers recognize the importance of integrating thoughtfully designed gathering spaces and artful show fountains to drive foot traffic,” Zimmerman said.