Marketing Tactics

The nation’s largest consumer co-op reported a solid year amid ongoing sustainability achievements.     REI reported annual revenues of $2.56 billion in 2016, up 5.5% from $2.42 billion in 2015.    Same-store sales, which include direct to consumer sales, rose nearly 4% and digital sales grew by nearly 18%.  

After solid start to the year, retail is now back in softer growth territory. While the 2.1% rate of overall expansion is not disastrous, it is much lower than the past few quarters and is largely the result of higher gas prices which buoyed sales at gas stations by 15.8%. The pure retail number is more concerning, with the 0.8% increase being the slowest growth recorded since February 2013.  

A new app enhancement is helping Sephora shoppers complete their look.   By adding new augmented reality-based features to the Sephora Virtual Artist app, the chain enables shoppers users to virtually try on thousands of shades of single and palette eyeshadows directly through their mobile device. This service augments the app’s existing functionality that allows users to try on an assortment of lip colors and false eye lash styles.  

Destination XL is expanding its presence in North America.   The male apparel retailer is opening its first Canadian store in Ajax, Ontario. The 5,028-sq.-ft. location features more than 100 brands and thousands of styles from top designers, including Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Buffalo Jeans, Nautica, Levi’s and Cole Haan, as well as exclusive brands, such as Brooks Brothers and Lacoste. Private-label brands Harbor Bay, 28 Degrees, Oak Hill and True Nation, round out the assortment, DXL said.  

An increase in revenue and comparable store sales helped Tilly’s beat analyst expectations for the fourth quarter.   For the period ended January 28, 2017, Tilly’s revenue was $160.2 million, an increase from $159.1 million last year. Net sales also topped Wall Street forecasts of $159.9 million. The chain also beat analyst predictions of earnings hitting 21 cents per share. Tilly’s posted a profit of 22 cents per share.  

Shoptalk has announced a partnership with the Retail Industry Leaders Association focused on RILA’s newly launched (R)Tech Center for Innovation.   Through the partnership, Shoptalk will support the (R)Tech Center for Innovation as a member of the (R)Tech Innovators Network.   

Vow To Be Chic is giving shoppers access to a new line of designer bridesmaids' dresses.   The two-year-old start-up, which allows women to shop for bridesmaids’ gowns via their desktop, laptop or smartphone, will add six of the best-selling gowns from Amsale's Nouvelle Amsale line. The partnership marks the designer’s debut in the gown rental segment.   

Amazon’s newest endeavor hopes to attract more Spanish-speaking shoppers.   The online retailer offering its website in Spanish, its first new language introduction since the site launched 20 years ago, according to CNet.