Marketing Tactics

Starbucks is giving customers a front-row seat on the famed Las Vegas Strip.

The coffee giant has opened a 3,200-sq.-ft. location in Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s Casino complex. The store is unusual in that, instead of the typical tables with chairs, it offers theatrical stadium seating (for 30 to 40 people) in the center of the store and surrounding bench seating.

Lululemon athletica and Athleta, a subsidiary of Gap Inc., are not new concepts. But they are part of one of fashion’s hottest trends: “athleisure.”

Specializing in trendy activewear designed for the gym and beyond, athleisure concepts are finding their way into all kinds of shopping destinations — giving lululemon and Athleta increasing competition. Here’s a rundown of some other retailers currently in the game:

Macy’s is ushering in the spring promotional season by celebrating America'as vast and varied landscapes at the 2016 Macy’s Flower Show.

The show will sprout to life at five Macy’s downtown store locations nationwide, including Herald Square in New York City, Center City in Philadelphia, State Street in Chicago, Downtown Minneapolis and Union Square in San Francisco.

If you were an Uber user in Austin, Texas, this fall, you might have been surprised to see the option to take a horse and buggy instead of a car appear on your smartphone.

The tongue-in-cheek offer was part of Uber’s effort to inform and mobilize customers in its fight against what the company contended were antiquated regulations being considered by local government.

If you’re after a hot tenant, look no further than food.

From food trucks to high-end restaurants and everything in between, dining has never been more essential to the shopping center experience. “E-commerce has made it more important for retail centers to enhance the experience,” said Terry Montesi, CEO, Trademark Property Co. “And food works great with retail.”

The 2,200 unit Bridgestone Retail Operations chain of automotive stores is drawing inspiration from a gold medal winning Olympic sprinter to help accelerate its performance.

Dick's Sporting Goods is launching an emotional omnichannel campaign as part of its sponsorship of Team USA.

The TV and digital effort tells the story of everyday sacrifices made by Olympic/Paralympic-hopeful athletes, and it prominently features five Team USA Contenders who are currently employed in Dick's stores nationwide.

As discussed last week custom facades as advertisements have migrated from the domain of premiere retail flagships to many, varied uses across the commercial and retail spectrum.

This trend was earlier spotted by Gensler On: Lifestyle as part of its “Top Ten Retail Trends in 2013.”