Marketing Tactics

Washington Spotlight: May Day Becomes International Day of Anger
Monday's May Day demonstrations across the country and world are yet another reminder that we are in a politically precarious position in this country. The intensity of anger within our populace far outweighs the ability of our government mechanisms to address it.
Facebook testing in-store QR code rewards
Facebook is proving social media does in fact influence brick-and-mortar sales. The social media giant offers a feature that enables users to scan a personalized QR code to nab discounts when they buy something at specific brick-and-mortar locations, reported TechCrunch. The Rewards feature, which is discretely tucked away under the More tab of Facebook’s mobile app, has been in test mode for a few months, according to the report.

Men’s grooming concept has big plans for growth

A men’s grooming shop that provides hand and foot care, haircuts and shaves in a “man cave nirvana” has ambitious designs for expansion.
Crayola Experience heading to Texas

The Lone Star state is set to get a big dose of Crayola color. The iconic brand will open a Crayola Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, Texas, in spring 2018. This is the fourth location for the attraction, which also has locations in Orlando, Fla., Bloomington, Minn. (at Mall of America), and its hometown of Easton, Pa.
Bankrupt games and puzzle retailer acquired

The company responsible for last year’s hottest holiday toy has bought Marbles: The Brain Store. Toronto-based Spin Master Corp., creators of hit toy Hatchimal, said its purchase of Marbles builds upon Spin Master's increased presence in the games and puzzles category. Under the terms of the sale, Spin Master will acquire the company's brand name, e-commerce business, portfolio of games and other assets.
Gifting retailer’s Q3 revenues slip

While sales across floral divisions were strong, a late Easter impacted 1-800-Flowers.com’s third quarter revenues. For the quarter ended April 2, 2017, revenues were $233.7 million, a slight dip compared to $234.2 million in the prior year period. This reflects lower year-over-year profits across the Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets divisions due to the Easter holiday shifting into the company’s fiscal fourth quarter this year.
Amazon gives an entire town free Prime membership

Talk about a clever self-promotion. Amazon is celebrating the streaming debut of its award-winning movie “Manchester by the Sea” by giving every single home in the small Massachusetts town that provided its setting with a year’s free subscription to Amazon Prime. And as an added bonus, the company is throwing in a three-pack of Wickedly Prime popcorn.
Trendy online sneaker brand eyes physical stores

Following in the footsteps of Warby Parker, Bonobos and the like, another online startup is ready to plant some brick-and-mortar roots. Brooklyn, New York-based sneaker brand Greats plans to open at least 10 locations over the next two years, according to The New York Business Journal.
Supermarket retailer to remodel 71 stores

Food Lion has announced a $110 million investment in its stores as part of its ongoing remodeling initiative. The chain announced it will remodel 71 stores in the greater Richmond, Va., market in 2017. Looking to make shopping easier and more affordable for its customers, the grocer said it will make a $110 million investment that includes remodeling the Richmond-area stores, additional price investments throughout the year and investments in associates and the community through its hunger relief initiative.
Q&A: Online home furnishings brand goes high-touch, high-service

Eighteen year-old online home décor and furnishings brand ATGStores.com has a new name, a new look and a new focus on personalized, one-on-one service.
Casual clothing and workwear retailer expands

Duluth Trading Co. has hit a milestone of sorts. The Belleville, Wisconsin-based clothing retailer has opened its 20th location, in Warwick, Rhode Island. “Opening our 20th retail store in Warwick is a milestone for Duluth and it is also the fourth location in the eastern U.S. to serve our largest concentration of customers,” said Stephanie Pugliese, CEI Duluth Trading.
New women’s fashion brand looks to expand

A brand new women’s contemporary apparel and accessories brand with a French aesthetic is moving fast out of the starting gate.