Marketing Tactics

Round One to open first New York location
Round One, Japan’s answer to Dave & Busters, announced it will open its first New York State location at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. The entertainment brand offers bowling, karaoke, billiards, and darts, as well as food. Other new locations in Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania will bring its U.S. store total to 14. Round One spaces are generally 80,000 sq. ft.; the Middletown store will be only 45,000 sq. ft.
German audio company opens experiential store in New York
A German brand known for its high-quality headphones had dropped anchor in the United States. Sennheiser has opened a pop-up, in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan, that is designed to let visitors try out its products firsthand. The brand is also set to open a permanent retail space, at the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, in late October. It will serve as a showroom and not sell product (product is sold at the pop-up, however).

The North Face, New York City

The North Face is targeted urban adventurers at its new global flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The two-level, 20,000-sq.-ft. store offers an immersive brand experience that includes an interactive climbing wall, community seating and a custom embroidery service called “Lot, Stock and Barrel” that allows shoppers to personalize garments by selecting from 20 designs.
Google makes impressive store debut in Manhattan

Google has “popped up” in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan with a temporary store that is all about experience. The outpost, called "Made by Google,” is designed as a showcase for the company’s expanding line of electronic devices, and give visitors a chance to try out and experience its latest devices. The store does not sell any products, however. For that, customers will have to shop online or go to Best Buy.
Starbucks ups store count for its new upscale chain

Starbucks is bullish about its new café format, Starbucks Reserve, which will target a more sophisticated audience with premium coffees and food offerings. The company had previously said it planned to open 500 Reserve locations globally, with the format making its debut next year. But it is looking to open as many as 1,000 locations, Bloomberg reported.
Cashless society not happening anytime soon

The use of cash remains strong among in-store shoppers. That’s according to a new survey by Cardtronics, in which 89% of consumers report using cash in the past six months to pay for merchandise in a physical store. Cash was followed by debit cards, used by 74% of consumers in the last six months, and credit cards, used by 66% of consumers. Eighteen percent of consumers reported using store mobile apps to pay for something in the last six months, and 17% used a mobile wallet.
Shoppers are most loyal to these brands

Two online brands and an iconic American designer top a list of retail brands that command the most loyalty among consumers. Amazon, Zappos and Ralph Lauren were the top loyalty leaders in the retail segment in the 20th annual Brand Keys Loyalty Leaders List. The ranking, which is 100% consumer-driven, examined 72 categories and 635 brands. Rounding out the top five in retail: Sephora and Trader Joe’s.
Fast-growing cosmetics retailer expanding in Manhattan

NYX Professional Makeup is set to launch its first flagship in Manhattan on Friday, Oct. 28. Located in the heart of Union Square, the new NYX is the company's 20th domestic store and will combine digital technology with a hands-on educational environment. In keeping with its heritage as a digital brand, NYX stores feature a series of innovative technologies, including an in-store Beauty Bar, an interactive makeup station featuring custom video tutorials.
Starbucks reveals location of fourth Reserve Roastery format

Starbucks is bringing its new immersive store concept to Tokyo. The coffee giant will open a Reserve Roastery in Tokyo, in 2018. Located in the Nakameguro district, an upscale neighborhood, the Roastery will be designed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect and founder of Kuma Lab at the University of Tokyo.
Meet 2016’s newest ‘small screen’ star: Wayfair

Who hasn’t wanted to buy “looks” featured on their favorite television show? Now, it’s a reality. A new TV talk show series, created through a partnership between Wayfair and A+E Networks, will allow viewers to purchase all featured items on Wayfair.com. The show, called The Way Home, uses a combination of home décor and DIY how-to’s, room makeovers and everyday solutions for better living — and everything displayed is for sale.
Saks unveils new specialty store concept

Saks Fifth Avenue has opened its first standalone store dedicated exclusively to footwear.
Target’s next limited edition collection to feature another big name

Target Corp. is letting the cat out of the bag early with regards to its next limited edition apparel collection. The retailer announced its limited-edition spring collaboration will be with popular designer Victoria Beckham. The collection will be available April 9, 2017, at all Target stores and Target.com, the collection. In addition, select pieces from the collection will be available for sale internationally via Victoriabeckham.com.