Marketing Tactics

Retail CMOs cautiously optimistic on holiday sales
Chief marketing officers at leading U.S. retailers are forecasting a 4.2% increase in overall holiday store sales, according to the 10th annual BDO USA survey.

This year’s BDO projection is only slightly higher than the National Retail Federation’s expected 3.7% increase to $630.5 billion, slower than the 4.1% increase during last year's November-December period.
Fast-growing restaurant brand unveils new interior design
With plans to double in size over the next two years, the fast-casual Newk’s Eatery chain is on the fast-track. And it is testing a new design prototype to help it accomplish its goal.

Dubbed the "Generation Two" design, the new concept represents a fresh, on-trend look for the brand, and is designed to resonate in new markets and elevate the overall guest experience.

Godiva opens in New York’s largest department store

Godiva Chocolatier has opened an in-store boutique in Macy’s Herald Square flagship in Manhattan.

Shoppers can create their own bespoke assortment of chocolates in the shop, which is accented with the brand’s signature gold throughout. The boutique features the largest chocolate case in North America. It’s also the first to include a large communal table, complimented by café seating.
Walmart, Hobby Lobby tops in faith-friendly retailer list

Walmart and Hobby Lobby top the retailer list of the first ever annual Faith Equality Index.

Faith Driven Consumer, a group that represents 41 million Christian consumers, has published an index rating the faith compatibility of major brands both in the consumer and entertainment spheres, as well as serving as a voice for this community.
New York to get a very special Target pop-up

Target is setting up shop in downtown Manhattan — but it’s no ordinary store and it’s just for the holidays.

On Dec. 9, Target will officially open Target Wonderland to the public, which the retailer describes as a “first-of-its-kind retail experience” that is part magical toy store and part Pop Art exhibit.
Finish Line lets customers pursue hoop dreams

The Finish Line Inc. is continuing its efforts to become an omnichannel lifestyle experience with a new social media campaign.

For the second year in a row, Finish Line customers will be able to demonstrate their basketball skills via social media platforms by using the hashtag #theFundamentals on Twitter and Instagram, or submitting them via Snapchat. The digital entries will be judged by a group of NBA athletes.
Amazon’s Black Friday store is already open

Amazon.com is not waiting until Black Friday or even Thanksgiving Week to launch its deepest holiday discounts.

The e-commerce giant announced Monday that its Black Friday Deals store is now officially open. In addition, this year Prime members can access more than 30,000 Lightning Deals 30 minutes early, giving Prime members special, early access to deals.
Kmart re-imagines Bluelight Special for digital age

Photo: Courtesy of Kmart/Wendy Williams poses during recent a Wendy Williams Show taping at Kmart where the retailer announced the Bluelight Specials are back.

Kmart is hoping that bringing back a 50-year-old marketing strategy will ignite a new sales push online and in stores.
eBay goes omnichannel for holidays

eBay is targeting consumers across digital and physical channels this holiday season with a new online holiday hub and even in-person selling stations.

Through Jan. 1, 2016, eBay is running a multifaceted holiday campaign called “Wish Bigger.” A central feature is a holiday-specific shopping site, eBay.com/holidays, which will offer features such as a soon-to-launch holiday heat map that will track what eBay customers are wishing and shopping for coast-to-coast on a weekly basis.
Sports Authority gets customers moving

Sports Authority wants to help customers stay healthy, wherever they are.

The full-line sporting goods retailer has launched its new BodyFit Personal Training app. This free app gives customers exclusive access to more than 100 fitness training videos and provides guidance on how to use Sports Authority’s proprietary BodyFit sports and exercise equipment.
GGP transforms traditional mall experiences with adventure

Chicago – General Growth Properties announced the return of Adventure to Santa, A DreamWorks DreamPlace 2,000-sq.-ft. interactive cottage, to five locations in its portfolio: Fashion Show – Las Vegas; North Point Mall – Alpharetta, Georgia; The Parks Mall at Arlington – Arlington, Texas; Oakbrook Center – Oak Brook, Illinois; and Southwest Plaza – Littleton, Colorado.
What retail CEO made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show?

Ulta Beauty is not only “Ultra-beautiful,” according to television personality Ellen DeGeneres, it’s also “Ultra-generous.”

Capping off a partnership during the month of October with DeGeneres to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, Ulta CEO Mary Dillon appeared on the popular talk show and presented the host with a $2 million check made out to the Breast Cancer Reseach Foundation.