Marketing Tactics

All about the ‘butts’ in new P&G Charmin campaign
Selling toilet paper is a tricky proposition, but a clever campaign from Procter & Gamble looks to drive sales by leveraging the popularity of firefighters to engage with consumers via social media.

The Charmin Relief Project encourages consumers to nominate their local firehouses online or via social media for the chance to receive a year’s supply of toilet paper. Since firehouses serve as a home-away-from-home for many firefighters, Charmin wants to make sure these heroes are fully stocked with one of the most basic comforts of home: toilet paper.
Feet and chocolate winning combination for Valentine’s Day
The phrase “two great tastes that taste great together,” is synonymous with the Reeses brand, but a new line of chocolates shaped like feet gives new meaning to that expression. A company called Toe-Rific Chocolates & Candy has introduced Valentoes, individually wrapped chocolate feet for those looking for a gifting alternative to flowers, jewelry and more conventional box chocolates.

Goth Cinderella collection coming to Hot Topic

What do you get when you cross a Disney princess and a mall goth? Hot Topic has found the answer with its new collection inspired by an upcoming Disney live action film.

Hot Topic’s new "Cinderella" collection will be available Feb. 24 exclusively at Hot Topic stores and on hottopic.com, with a pre-sale going on now at hottopic.com.
Staples Canada runs omnichannel ‘messiest office’ promo

Mississauga, Canada - Staples Advantage Canada, the business-to-business division of Staples, is running its third annual "Messiest Office Contest," with a chance to win an office makeover. Participants can submit pictures of their organizationally challenged work environments through the Staples Advantage Canada website or Staples Advantage Canada Facebook page.
Macy's wooing Latinas with Thalia line

In an effort to boost its appeal to Latina fashionistas, Macy’s has launched a new collection designed by an international Hispanic superstar.

The retailer’s new, exclusive Thalia Sodi collection includes apparel, shoes and jewelry and is available at 300 Macy's stores nationwide and on macys.com.
Wegmans getting wild -- with shrimp

Wegmans is looking to bolster its reputation as one of the nation’s best food retailers with a promotion that will see the retail sell massive quantities of shrimp.
Forever 21 to open on Fifth Avenue

New York -- Forever 21 will open a five-level store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, taking over the space that formerly housed an H&M.

The new Forever 21, which is located on Fifth between 51st and 52nd Streets, is scheduled to open on Feb. 7.
Retail Disruption: Selfridges to go gender-free in March and April

New York -- In a new type of retail disruption, London’s must buzzed-about department store, Selfridges, plans to remove the men’s and women’s departments on the three floors of its Oxford Street flagship from mid- March to the end of April, replacing them with unisex or gender-neutral shops.
GameStop ‘Evolving’ into omnichannel master?

Customers who are fans of the wildly popular video game Evolve will love GameStop’s new promotions, both online and in-store.

The video game retailer will be conducting consumer engagement quizzes in-store and online that allow fans to identify the best Evolve hunters or monsters based on their personal play style. Fans who share their results on social media will be eligible to win GameStop gift cards.

Customers can pre-order Evolve and sign up for the promotions in-store or online.
Sears a surprise winner in social media

It may be hard to believe (considering its financial troubles), but Sears was the most popular U.S. department store on Facebook during the 2014 holiday shopping season, according to a new study.

The data also show that Walmart.com was the most popular mass merchant store site.
Macy's sees 'Red' in February

Macy’s hopes to ignite passion for the National Heart Association with its Go Red For Women promotions.

The retailer, a founding national sponsor of American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign, will offer merchandise and in-store events this February, all fashioned to bring awareness and funds to the cause of women’s heart health.
More 'green' accolades for Kroger

The Kroger Co. is getting more accolades from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this time for its efforts to reduce food waste.