Marketing Tactics

What’s in Store for the Customer Experience?
“I’ll try the red.” It’s a phrase heard in bars and restaurants across the globe. But in Nordstrom, at their tapas bar? It’s wine in a department store one week, and perhaps a pint or a flight at Bar Lamar in Whole Foods the next, because who could say no to a nice aperitif while picking up the weekly groceries?
Featured Content: Top 3 strategies to optimize revenue this holiday season
As the holiday season creeps up and Black Friday is just around the corner, successful companies are finalizing plans to maximize their seasonal revenues. A holiday retail sales forecast from eMarketer estimates a year-over-year increase of 5.7%, hitting an all-time high of $886 billion. To help retailers capture a larger slice of the expanding holiday pie, digital marketing services company eClerx Digital has identified three top strategies focused on optimization.

New PetSmart brand unites health and philanthropy

Pet lovers can now feed their own pets a wholesome meal and serve one up to a pet in need at PetSmart.

The retailer has launched a new natural pet food line called Good Natured. But the natural formulation of the food is not the only special feature of this new brand: It also has a charity component. For every bag of food purchased, PetSmart will donate a meal to a pet in need through PetSmart Charities or PetSmart Charities Canada.
Veteran retail designer to retire

Elle Chute, co-chairman of Chute Gerdeman and widely respected creative force in the retail design industry, has announced her retirement from the firm she founded with her husband Denny Gerdeman 26 years ago.

Gerdeman will continue as chairman and, with CEO Brian Shafley, will lead Chute Gerdeman’s growth with its focus on d excellence in retail and hospitality design innovation.
Target joins UNICEF in new health charity initiative
How YouTube drives holiday shopping lists

With electronic devices in the hands of so many kids, YouTube is becoming a major force in driving their wish lists, according to a new report from Reuters. The wire service says that, as families prepare to spend an estimated $630.7 billion on gifts this holiday season, the smallest screens could have the biggest influence.
Online athleisure wear brand raises $7 million; plans to expand, open pop-up

As consumers continue to embrace athleisure wear, retail startups are clamoring to bust into the multi-billion dollar industry. Outdoor Voices – a chic athleisure wear brand for men and women, founded by 27-year-old designer and CEO Tyler Haney in 2012 – is doing a fine job of getting its foot in the door.
Survey: Millennials prefer supportive, fun loyalty programs

A new survey from Colloquy is highlighting some of the differences between millennial consumers and other demographics when it comes to loyalty programs. Some 34% of millennials say the word “fun” is the one that best describes their participation, compared to 26% of the general population.
Amazon predicts the hottest toys of holiday season

Amazon.com has joined the cadre of retailers weighing in on the hottest toys of the holiday season by curating a list of more than 1,000 toys for kids.

The retailer’s Hot Toy List includes products for kids of all ages and interests. In addition to highlighting Mom Picks and Kid Picks, Amazon’s holiday toy list also features new trend-focused categories: STEM, Movie Favorites, Retro, and Toys That Go.
Birchbox launches in-house makeup brand

Online beauty and grooming retailer Birchbox is moving into product development as the company launches its own brand of beauty products.
Toys"R"Us kicks off annual Toys for Tots campaign

Toys"R"Us is looking to make the holidays a lot merrier for the 15.5 million children living in poverty in the United States.

The retailer has launched its annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Now through Dec. 6, customers can spread holiday joy to children living in poverty by donating new, unwrapped toys at any Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us store across the country and online.
Food Lion completes major store revamp initiative

Food Lion has rolled out its “Easy Fresh and Affordable” branding campaign to its 162 stores in the Raleigh, North Carolina market. The $250 million initiative included full store remodels, price investments and training of associates.