Marketing Tactics

Dick’s debuts new ad campaign
The belief that sports make people better is the premise of a newly created ad campaign from Dick’s Sporting Goods which requires shoppers to contemplate their future.

The campaign aired March 6, with the introspective tagline, “Who Will You Be?” on television and via digital channels.

The campaign’s launch was timed to coincide with ESPN’s College Basketball Championship Week.
Gander Mountain expands southwest footprint
Residents of Texas and Oklahoma will have two more places to buy guns this month when new Gander Mountain Company stores open with huge firearms departments.

Gander Mountain will open two new locations in Texas and Oklahoma on March 12. The new store in Killeen continues the brand's major expansion into the Texas market and will be the 20th store in the state. The new location in Tulsa marks Gander Mountain's entry into Oklahoma and the 27th state overall.

ECRM: Retail circular advertising trends, February 2015

ECRM compared retail circular advertising in February 2014 vs. February 2015 and noted trends occurring across top retail chains.
Sephora in big omnichannel push: beacons, in-store augmented reality and more

San Francisco -- Sephora on Thursday officially unveiled its San Francisco-located Innovation Lab, which will focus on the development of new strategies and technologies for both in-store and mobile shopping. In conjunction with the debut of the Lab, the beauty retailer announced the rollout of four new digital programs:
American Eagle offers omnichannel road trip promotion

Pittsburgh - American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie are launching the "Ultimate Road Trip" sweepstakes in stores nationwide and online from March 7 through March 18. Entrants have the opportunity to win a grand prize of a restored Volkswagen Westfalia valued at approximately $25,000 and $10,000 in cash to create their own ultimate road trip experience.
American Apparel workers create coalition

Los Angeles - Factory workers of American Apparel established a coalition of workers to advocate for their rights before new corporate management. Hundreds of workers met on Feb. 28 to organize themselves into the "Coalition of American Apparel Factory Workers United to Save American Apparel."
Bealls to launch Bunulu concept in 2015

Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old Florida-based department store retailer, is developing a specialty store concept, called Bunulu, which will debut by the end of 2015.
U.S. manufacturing on tap in Bentonville

Walmart Vice President of U.S. Manufacturing Cindi Marsiglio is scheduled to provide an update on the retailer’s $250 billion domestic sourcing commitment at an event later this month.

Marsiglio is scheduled to speak at 7 a.m., March 19, at an event sponsored by Doing Business in Bentonville at the John Q Hammons Center in Rogers, Ark. The organization, known as DBB locally, regularly holds events at which top Walmart executives share updates and insights on key initiatives and working effectively with the company.
Sam’s invests in future customers

Small business customers are the lifeblood of Sam’s Club and to ensure the continued vitality of the crucial shopper segment the retailer is supporting an entrepreneurial youth organization.

Sam’s donated $250,000 to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) to grow and support YEA!’s national educational program that works to transform middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs.
Bealls to launch new specialty store concept, Bunulu

New York -- Bealls Inc., the 100-year-old Florida-based department store retailer, is developing a specialty store concept, called Bunulu, which will debut by the end of 2015.

The new banner, which already has its own website, Bunulu.com, will target a younger demographic, and feature coastal-inspired active lifestyle apparel and accessories for both men and women. National brands will be featured.
Coach to open Paris flagship

New York -- Coach announced it will open its first Paris flagship, timed to coincide with the brand’s 75th anniversary. The store, located on the famed Rue Saint-Honoré, is expected to open this fall.
Lucky, Save Mart launch rewards program

Modesto, Calif. -- Lucky and Save Mart announced the launch of a rewards program driven by an integrated smartphone platform targeted to fit into the busy lifestyle of today’s shopper.

Named appropriately for each banner, Save Mart shoppers can start using the “Save Smart” program starting March 4 at stores throughout Sacramento, the Central Valley and Reno. “Lucky You” will launch in Bay Area Lucky stores on March 18.