Marketing Tactics

Design Within Reach has opened a store in Portland, Ore., in an historic building that dates back to the end of the 19th century.   The retailer opened in the city’s North Pearl District, in a circa 1890 two-story brick warehouse that originally served as a distribution center for pottery and housewares.   "We're thrilled to be a part of the vibrant, evolving Pearl District and the opportunity to support the preservation of this historic building," says DWR president John McPhee. 

Lululemon Athletica has opened a community-centric, European flagship on Regent Street in London. The two-level, 6,344-sq.-ft. store is the brand’s second largest in the world, second only to its New York flagship.    Designed by Dalziel & Pow, London, the new Lululemon combines the latest in technology with a locally-inspired design and community experiences. A palette of greys and marbles with hints of bronze help make for a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.    

Retailers executives are bullish on 2017.   That’s according to a survey from TD Bank, which polled 173 retail executives at the National Retail Federation’s annual Big Show in New York City. Seventy-four percent of the retailers said they believe sales will increase in the next 12 months. What’s more, 81% of the retailers reported that they met or exceeded their revenue goals in 2016.   In other key findings:  

EBay Inc. reported its fourth consecutive quarter of sales gains amid a successful holiday, which saw it run its first-ever U.S. television commercial.     The online marketplace said that sales for the fourth quarter rose 3% to $2.4 billion. Net income rose to $5.94 billion, fueled by a $4.6 billion income tax benefit.  

At Home has appointed veteran marketer Ashley Sheetz as chief marketing officer.   Sheetz was formerly chief marketing officer and group VP at Sally Beauty, where she led a turn-around strategy to reposition and modernize the brand. Prior to that, Sheetz held a variety of marketing leadership roles at GameStop before being appointed chief marketing officer in 2012.  

American consumers are ready to celebrate the Super Bowl, but they don’t plan on spending as much as they did last year.      Consumers will spend an average of $75 for a total of $14.1 billion as an estimated 188.5 million watch the Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Super Bowl Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.  

Watch out millennials, Gen Z is coming on strong.   With Generation Z expected to comprise 40% of the North American population by 2020, retailers must address the needs of this generation and understand its purchasing power in households, according to a survey conducted by HRC Retail Advisory.  

Walmart is adding a new category to its assortment: automobile sales.    While the chain has always sold tires and accessories, a new partnership with CarSaver, an online auto retail platform, is allowing the retail giant to dip its toe into the car sales industry. The retail giant is setting up CarSaver kiosks at 25 Walmart superstores in Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Oklahoma City.