Marketing Tactics

New York & Co. keeps momentum through holidays
New York & Co. was able to rise above headwinds from unseasonable weather during the holidays to an increase in same-store sales.

The company says same store sales increased 1.6% during the holiday period and that it expects same-store sales for the full quarter to increase in the low single-digit percentage, in line with the company’s previously disclosed guidance.
Sporting goods retailer continues to expand
Sportsman’s Warehouse is expanding its operations.

The company will open three new stores, with locations in Prescott, Arizona; Rock Springs, Wyoming; and Gillette, Wyoming. The stores, which will feature the retailer’s small format model, will open in the summer of 2016.

The Prescott store will be Sportsman’s Warehouse’s sixth store in Arizona, while the two Wyoming stores will bring the number of the chain’s locations in the state to four.

Williams-Sonoma tantalizes target customer with contest

Williams-Sonoma knows how to connect with its core customers and has crafted life-altering promotion that does just that to commemorate its 60th anniversary.
New Video Technology to Maximize Customer Attraction, Loyalty

The winners in today’s retail food retail sector will be those who can continually stay ahead of competitors by retaining current customers and attracting new ones.

However, many of the tools of yesterday are likely stale and ineffective today. Trending indicates that older, traditional practices of discount/promotional pricing, printed signs/stickers, and aisle video display monitors to attract customers and increase sales are becoming outmoded and have lost their effectiveness in many food retail environments.
Target’s unusual new partner has cult-like following

Target Corp.’s newest partner is a cycling studio chain knows for its high-intensity (and pricey) workouts and devoted, cult-like following.

The retailer has teamed up with SoulCycle to launch a 10-city tour that will offer special three-day weekend events in select markets with complimentary classes taught by certified SoulCycle instructors.
Jordan’s Furniture, New Haven

Jordan’s Furniture believes in giving people a reason to visit its stores — a reason that extends beyond merchandise. And its newest location is no exception to the rule.

The 192,500-sq.-ft. space combines retail with entertainment, and devotes 20,000 sq. ft. to such attractions as an elaborate indoor rope course, a water show with light and sound effects, a pizzeria and ice cream counter.
Strong dollar hits Bed Bath & Beyond

A drop in same-store sales led Bed Bath & Beyond to report a 21% decline in profit for the third quarter.

The retailer said same store sales in the third quarter ended Nov. 28 decreased by approximately 0.4%, compared with an increase of approximately 1.7% in last year's fiscal third quarter. Same-store sales from digital channels grew in excess of 25%.

Bed Bath & Beyond reported a profit of $177.8 million, or $1.09 a share, compared with $225.4 million, or $1.23 a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 0.3% to $2.95 billion.
Verizon: Retailers should adjust to ‘Cyber Season’

Overall retailers had a good 2015 holiday from a digital commerce standpoint, but some patterns changed.

According to the Verizon Retail Index, days that previously had unusual spikes in e-commerce activity, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, now show more normal levels of online traffic and purchase activity. Part of this shift is attributed to the widespread availability of high-speed online connections from consumer mobile devices.
Mall operator reaches out to shoppers

Mall operator General Growth Properties (GGP) is looking to get in touch with customers in a new and very personal way.

GGP has selected Mobiquity to be the provider of beacon-based advertising services for select malls in its U.S. portfolio, including Tysons Galleria (Washington D.C.), Glendale Galleria (Los Angeles), Water Tower Place (Chicago) and Ala Moana Center (Honolulu).
Dollar Tree to expand Pennsylvania footprint

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Metro Commercial Real Estate announced it has negotiated 13 new store openings for Dollar Tree in Pennsylvania.

Dollar Tree a value-driven variety store operating at a one-dollar price point, with stores where Middle America lives and shops and incorporates the philosophy of bright stores, big signs, and a clean environment.
Kmart promotes fun, fitness, loyalty

Kmart is launching a new social media campaign called “Fit in the Fun” that promotes the enjoyment of healthy activities while also engaging members of its Shop Your Way loyalty program.

The program includes a dedicated Fit in the Fun website as well as a #FitintheFun hashtag campaign. In addition, celebrity fitness instructor Jillian Michaels (who has an established relationship with Kmart) offers online tips and also sells branded merchandise on the new site.
A good Christmas for Five Below

Five Below says its same-store sales rose 4.1% during the holiday season, prompting the company to boost its guidance for the fourth quarter.

The company announced that net sales for the nine-week period ended Jan. 2 increased by 24% to $286.1 million from $230.7 million in the comparable nine-week period of fiscal 2014, while same-store sales for this period increased by 4.1% over the comparable period in fiscal 2014.