Marketing Tactics

Specialty apparel retailer Q1 sales up 22%
Duluth Trading Company continues to grow its sales and store footprint. The retailer of men’s and women’s workwear, casual clothing, and accessories reported that net sales increased 21.9% to $83.7 million in the quarter ended April 30, up from $68.6 million in the prior-year first quarter. It was the company's 29th consecutive quarter of increased net sales year-over-year.
$30 million redevelopment for CambridgeSide
In reaction to changes that have transpired in the adjoining East Cambridge and Kendall Square neighborhoods since it debuted in 1990, CambridgeSide Galleria outside of Boston is undergoing a $30 million makeover. Owner New England Development calls it a “repositioning” that will see the “Galleria” tag dropped from the title of the center, one of the first regional enclosed malls erected in an urban setting. It is the centerpiece of a 1.2-million-sq.-ft. mixed-use project that includes office space and a hotel.

J.C. Penney concept targets collegiates

J.C. Penney is determined to become college-bound co-eds’ shopping destination for all of their dorm room needs.
Making the move from the regional mall to the urban lifestyle center
Harris: Retailers take top spots in social responsibility poll

Consumers rank Wegmans, Publix Super Markets, and Amazon.com as the top three companies when it comes to corporate social responsibility efforts.
Macy’s mulls rooftop park atop New York City flagship

Macy’s is toying with a lofty idea that could create more traffic at its Herald Square store in New York City.
German discount grocer in deal with fashion icon

Supermodel, designer, TV star and all-around celebrity Heidi Klum is teaming up with an unusual partner. On the heels of its entry into the United States, German discount grocer Lidl announced its first ever fashion collaboration, with Heidi Klum. The collection, described as high-end yet affordable, will be available exclusively at Lidl and will launch across its stores in Europe and the United States later this year. Collections will be featured at certain times throughout the year, during "Lidl Fashion Weeks.”
Accenture: Digital innovation to drive trillions of dollars in value

Retailers could unlock $2.95 trillion in value over the next decade simply by investing in transforming, digitally driven business models.
Sears exclusively launches British lifestyle brand

Sears is freshening up its offering through a new partnership. The department store retailer now features the Regatta Great Outdoors collection in 11 New England-based stores. The brand, which is based in Manchester, England, features active, performance, outdoor, and leisure wear. This is the brand’s first U.S. retail store debut.
Study: Father’s Day spending headed for record high

Americans are expected to spend more than ever on gifts for Father’s Day this year — proof that consumer confidence is growing. This was according to a study from the National Retail Federation. The report, conducted by Prosper Insight & Analytics, is based on responses from 7,335 consumers surveyed between May 2 and May 9.
From Catwalk Trends to Data Trends: Must-Have Skills for Tomorrow’s Retailers

In today’s digital world, creativity is just one skill needed for commercial success in the fashion industry. The art of design remains crucial, but leading designers are supplementing art with science – using digital technologies to connect with customers on both a hyper-local and hyper-personal level.
eBay personalizes every shopper’s visit

Shoppers are demanding that retailers treat them as individuals, and eBay is listening. eBay is launching an enhanced, more personalized eBay shopping experience through a new homepage that is responsive to its individual customers’ interests. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, eBay is tailoring recommendations across all categories during each shopper’s new site visit, and serving up an inventory mix that's unique only to them.