Marketing Tactics

New York – Dan Berthiaume, senior editor of Chain Store Age, recently participated in a one-hour panel discussion, “Consumer Industries: Using Real-time Consumer Insights,” sponsored by SAP as part of its “Coffee Break with Game-Changers” Internet radio series.

Toano, Va. – Legal and regulatory costs, as well as costs related to payroll, severance and commissions, contributed to a surprise net loss during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 at Lumber Liquidators. The struggling retailer also informed financial regulators that it may face legal action stemming from the sale of Chinese hardwood flooring that allegedly contained excessive levels of formaldehyde.

Fast-growing Kriser's Natural Pet store is expanding in the Chicago area as the retailer looks to leverage what has become a $58 billion industry.

Kriser's is bringing the natural pet movement to the west suburbs of Chicago with a grand opening in Naperville on Aug. 15-16, at 8 W. Gartner Rd., in the Naperville Plaza, across from Trader Joe's. A second grand opening will take place in Northbrook on Aug. 29-30, at the new North Shore 770 mixed-use complex, at 780 Skokie Blvd. alongside the new Mariano's.

Target has become one of the largest retailers to enhance the in-store shopping experience while simultaneously bridging its physical and online experiences with new technology. 

After 20 years of focusing on just five states in the Midwest, Meijer is continuing an estimated $750 million investment in its sixth state -- Wisconsin -- with the opening of two more stores in Wauwatosa and Oak Creek.

Chicago -- Some shopping centers are getting dog friendly.

In response to consumer demand for dog-friendly retail centers, nearly 30 JLL-managed properties are now encouraging shoppers to bring their canine companions to the mall for themed events from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Wednesday in August.

The newly launched Dog Days program will test the markets’ receptiveness to a dog-friendly shopping experience with four themed nights at participating centers:

Rue21 inc. is launching an unconventional philanthropy initiative designed to resonate with the retailer's target market.

Eliminating the multiple nameplates under which Target operates various store types is Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell’s latest move to simplify the retailer’s operations and identity.