Marketing Tactics

jet.com’s strategic move takes aim at Costco
Walmart’s e-commerce arm is shaking up its private label offerings. Jet.com will increasingly phase out its assortment of Kirkland Signature branded merchandise — Costco’s private label brand. The move is said to help augment efforts among Walmart’s Sam’s Club chain, which is focused on boosting sales among its own store brand, Member’s Mark, according to Bloomberg.
Canadian retailer expresses 'significant doubt' about its future
Sears Canada isn't sure about its ability to remain a going concern. The struggling retailer on Tuesday said it doesn't have enough cash flow over the next 12 months to meet its its obligations, and warned that it may have to restructure or be sold. The company cited a "very challenging environment," and noted it has had recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years, with net losses beginning in 2014.

Amazon in new rewards program for Prime

Amazon is giving shoppers another reason to sign up for Prime—and a reason not to use credit cards. The online giant is launching a new program, called Amazon Prime Reload, that allows Prime members to earn 2% bonus every time they reload their Amazon gift card balance with cash from their checking account and debit card. The bonus is given in the form of rewards that can be used to make purchases on Amazon.
Survey: Lidl poses big competitive threat

Consumers are very excited about shopping at German discount grocer Lidl — even though they have never set foot inside one of the company's stores before. Lidl's upcoming entry into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia could remove $1 billion in local sales in the medium term, according to a report by global consulting firm Oliver Wyman which surveyed consumers in the three states cited above. It reveals that consumers are overwhelmingly excited about trying Lidl.
Study: The least trusted among top media channels is...

Social media may be a popular platform for ad delivery, but that doesn't mean it is a trusted one. Despite listing social media as the source of the second-highest volume of ad messages they receive — behind only television — consumers ranked social media last among their most trusted channels, according to a study by the Chief Marketing Officer Council. Consumers ranked friends, television, search engines and newspapers as more trusted sources.
Fast-food giant turns to Snapchat to attract millennial job seekers

McDonald’s is leveraging a hot app to encourage teens to join its workforce. The fast food giant is embarking on an aggressive summer hiring spree that aims to employ 250,000 restaurant employees across more than 14,000 restaurants operating in the United States. Eager to get the attention of millennials — its sweet spot — McDonald’s is taking a new approach.
KFC, Marietta, Georgia

A local landmark, which also happens to be one of KFC's most iconic locations, has reopened after a $2.2 million renovation.
Target and Cartwheel apps to merge

Target upping its mobile game. In a move that will eliminate customer confusion over the retailer's two separate apps, the discounter will move its Cartwheel savings app into the main Target app. The integration will happen this summer.
Nordstrom may go private

One of the nation's most successful department store retailers may remove itself from the scrutiny and pressure of Wall Street.
Ikea expands breadth through third-party sales

Ikea is getting in on the online marketplace game. The home furnishings giant is embarking on a test that will focus on selling its products on websites other than its own. This move will get merchandise in front of more online customers, according to Reuters.
Report: Online sales alter trade and brand marketing

As retail sales shift from offline to e-commerce, marketers must learn to adjust trade strategies and budgets to be successful in a digital world.
Warehouse club operator entering new territory

BJ's Wholesale Club is set to open its first location in South Carolina. The retailer will celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Summerville, South Carolina on Saturday, June 10. The store, which marks BJ's expansion into South Carolina, is located at the intersection of Interstate 26 and North Main Street, Summerville's primary retail corridor.