Marketing Tactics

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.    

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.   

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.   

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

A San Diego strip center that underwent a repositioning and renovation over the past two years is welcoming six new tenants.   The Presidio, which sits below the 18th Century Presidio fortress in the Linda Vista community has transformed its retail lineup with the signings of Rip Curl, Luv Bridal, Hopsy, Babe Kombucha, West Coast Veterinary Hospital, and Sharetea.