Marketing Tactics

Kohl's, Sears, Home Depot earn Energy Star honors
Sears, Kohl's and The Home Depot are among the retailers that have earned 2016 Energy Star awards from the EPA for leadership in sustainability efforts.

Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency honors a select group of organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency. Whether a first time Partner of the Year winner, or a Sustained Excellence winner, these small and large organizations from across the country are leading the energy efficiency movement.
The Container Store asks customers to 'Kiss Clutter Goodbye'
The Container Store is teaming up with Goodwill on a new spring cleaning campaign with a philanthropic angle.

From now through May 15, The Container Store is encouraging customers to declutter and donate via two item donation weekend events at the retailer's locations nationwide, as well as a monetary donation initiative in partnership with Goodwill through the end of the campaign.

Walgreens issues corporate 'Red Nose' challenge as exclusive retail partner of 2nd Red Nose Day

Walgreens on Monday announced its returns as the exclusive retail partner of the second annual Red Nose Day, helping raise funds to fight kids' poverty. The campaign's iconic Red Noses - which people wear in support of the official Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 26 - returned to store shelves at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide this morning, officially kick starting the nine-week charitable campaign.
Walmart goes omnichannel against hunger

Walmart is partnering with five suppliers to launch an omnichannel fundraising initiative that is sure to appeal to many of its shoppers.

The retailer is launching its“Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign to raise money to fight hunger. Walmart, working with five suppliers representing some of the nation’s leading food companies, will offer three ways for shoppers to take action against hunger and help families in need.
Online luxury retailer gets physical again

Online luxury consignment retailer The RealReal continues to make moves in the physical world as it seeks to simplify how customers interact with its innovative retail model.

San Francisco-based The RealReal began establishing a direct physical presence last August when it opened an office in New York City to authenticate and accept goods for sale, followed by a location this past February in Los Angeles. And it has now opened a third location focused on jewelry and watches in Chicago.
NRF tells Fed to lower swipe fees further

The National Retail Federation is pressing for a further reduction in per transaction fee banks charge retailers when customers use debit cards five years after the Federal Reserve cut the fee in half.

In a letter the National Retail Federation sent to the Federal Reserve the trade group said the cap on debit card swipe fees enacted by the Federal Reserve five years ago has helped reduce costs for retailers and consumers but is still higher than intended by Congress and should be lowered.
Direct-to-consumer in focus at Catalyst

Concerns about channel conflict once kept brands from selling to direct to consumers, but not anymore. Branded suppliers selling direct is one of the biggest trends in retail and the shift is creating new growth opportunities for consumer goods companies.
Korean beauty retailer sets up shop in the United States with more stores to come

Photo: Aritaum, H-Mart, Ridgefield, New Jersey
Victoria’s Secret launches new line with social support

Leveraging its status as a leading lingerie retailer, Victoria’s Secret has released the 2016 edition of its “What is Sexy?” list compiled with social media input to support the launch of several new product lines.
Signet shines in Q4, ramps up expansion

Signet Jewelers is already the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry and it plans to get even bigger in 2016 by accelerating new store and omnichannel growth.

Operating stores under banners such as Kay, Jared and Zale, Signet reported a 4.9% fourth quarter same-store sales increase, better than expected profits and said it would open more new stores in 2016 than it previously indicated.
Signet shines in Q4, ramps up store expansion

Signet Jewelers is already the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry and it plans to get even bigger in 2016 by accelerating new store and omnichannel growth. The news came as the chain reported a same-store sales increase of 4.9% in the fourth quarter.
Startup Spotlight: Technologies on the Rise

Personalization continues to be the trend that just won’t go away, probably because it’s the new normal in how consumers want to interact with brands and retailers. Personalized videos hold the promise to surprise and delight (and covert), especially as we collectively spend more and more of our time viewing videos online. And personalized promotions help retailers maximize scarce marketing dollars, ensuring the right customer gets the right call to action at the right time.