Marketing Tactics

Starbucks Corp. has unveiled a new store environment for its Teavana division.    In the new store design, tea is not hidden in tins. Instead, loose-leaf teas are boldly displayed in large glass cylinders for customers to see and smell as employees help them create custom blends.  

Looking to attract shoppers in what is expected to be a highly competitive season, Best Buy is waiving online shipping fees.   For the second year in a row, the electronics retailer is offering free shipping on all online purchases — with no minimum threshold — made during the holiday shopping season. The perk will run between Oct. 25, and Jan. 2. Best Buy typically charges a fee for all orders below $35.  

The venue where the Beatles performed their first concert in the United States now houses REI’s newest flagship location.  

While many retailers still struggle with how to leverage the Black Friday sales frenzy, REI has other plans in mind.   For the second year, REI will remain closed on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. “Instead of feeding the Black Friday frenzy, we're closing our 149 stores and giving our 12,287 employees a paid day off,” REI’s website reported.   

A German brand known for its high-quality headphones had dropped anchor in the United States.      Sennheiser has opened a pop-up, in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan, that is designed to let visitors try out its products firsthand.      The brand is also set to open a permanent retail space, at the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, in late October. It will serve as a showroom and not sell product (product is sold at the pop-up, however).  

Google has “popped up” in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan with a temporary store that is all about experience.   The outpost, called "Made by Google,” is designed as a showcase for the company’s expanding line of electronic devices, and give visitors a chance to try out and experience its latest devices. The store does not sell any products, however. For that, customers will have to shop online or go to Best Buy.  

The North Face is targeted urban adventurers at its new global flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.   The two-level, 20,000-sq.-ft. store offers an immersive brand experience that includes an interactive climbing wall, community seating and a custom embroidery service called “Lot, Stock and Barrel” that allows shoppers to personalize garments by selecting from 20 designs.   

Round One, Japan’s answer to Dave & Busters, announced it will open its first New York State location at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown.    The entertainment brand offers bowling, karaoke, billiards, and darts, as well as food. Other new locations in Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania will bring its U.S. store total to 14. Round One spaces are generally 80,000 sq. ft.; the Middletown store will be only 45,000 sq. ft.