Marketing Tactics

$40.8 million revitalization of Island Walk is now underway
Palm Coast, Fla. -- A transformation is underway. Branch Properties is in the midst of a $40.8 million redevelopment of the largest (and oldest) retail shopping center in Palm Coast, Florida.

Island Walk, once called Palm Harbor Shopping Center, is a 204,000-sq.-ft. center anchored by Publix Super Markets. Once completed in 2016, the upgraded retail destination will bring new and expanded tenants and amenities to the Palm Coast community in an effort to revitalize the city’s original core.
Saks to put best foot forward with new concept
New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue is going to open a freestanding store dedicated to a hot category.

The department store retailer plans to open a shoe store in Greenwich, Connecticut, in fall 2016, Women’s Wear Daily reported.

The store, whose name has not yet been revealed, will be located close to an existing Saks Fifth Avenue store, which will no longer sell shoes.

The new format will be modeled after Saks’ in-store 10022 shoe department, according to the report.

Survey: Consumers cozy with mobile, social commerce

Las Vegas - American consumers are increasingly comfortable with shopping through their smartphones, and many are using digital channels like social media and email marketing to engage with apparel brands.

According to a survey by advertising/marketing technology provider Fluent Inc., roughly 30% of respondents said that they have bought clothing using their smartphones.
Baker Katz to remodel Houston retail property

Houston - Baker Katz, an X Team International partner and full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm, has acquired a 4.5-acre property with plans to renovate two existing buildings totaling 33,000-sq.-ft. in Atascocita, in the Greater Houston area.

The firm plans to renovate the two buildings that were constructed in 1984 to update the architecture and attract new retail tenants. Construction is slated to begin early next year. Jim Bayne with Investar Real Estate Services represented the seller for this transaction
Wayfair teams up with Sherwin-Williams on DIY

Online home furnishings retailer Wayfair is partnering with Sherwin-Williams on a digital tool that aims to help shoppers plan and execute their DIY projects.

Wayfair.com plans to launch a Restore & Renew DIY Hub: a custom-designed online resource that features four Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands, including Purdy, Krylon, Thompson’s WaterSeal and Minwax, with exclusive content that will help consumers bring their DIY projects to life.
Dick's Sporting Goods steps up to the plate for kids

Dick's Sporting Goods is stepping up to support a cause that will likely appeal to many of the retailer's core customers: funding for public school athletic programs.
Best Buy makes online shopping even easier

Best Buy is taking another leap forward in its quest to make shopping across platforms as easy as possible for consumers.

The retailer, in partnership with American Express, has integrated new technology that allows Amex card members enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards program to seamlessly use their points for online purchases on BestBuy.com. In addition card members can use their membership rewards points for all or part of each online purchase and either pick it up in one of Best Buy’s stores or have it delivered to their doors.
Longtime Kroger executive to step down

The Kroger Co.’s first female corporate officer is retiring.
Five marketing myths about millennials

New York -- A recent study shatters several myths about the largest generation of young people since the baby boomers: millennials.

“At 79 million strong, the millennial generation has a tremendous amount of spending power that is growing rapidly,” said Robert Tomei, IRI’s president of consumer and shopper marketing.

Tomei said he sees a lot of potential for marketing growth.
Patagonia, New York City
Lululemon and beer: perfect together?

Vancouver – Looking to up its appeal with men, Lululemon has added a new product (if only for the short term) to its mix: beer.
Report: Wal-Mart wants accurate labels

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly making sure its suppliers understand expectations for labeling of products.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the retailer recently sent a memo to hundreds of suppliers, including major CPG firms such as Kraft Heinz Co. and Nestle, reminding them that the amount of an item inside a package must match the amount stated on the outside label.