Marketing Tactics

Swirl connecting brands and shoppers in-aisle
With marketers all abuzz about beacons, mobile technology company Swirl Networks said it has created the first programmatic ad exchange for proximity-based in store mobile marketing.
Staples office and home get stylish
Designer Cynthia Rowley and Staples today announced an exclusive work and home office collection that incorporates bold and artistic designs into everyday work and home spaces. Cynthia Rowley Collection featuring visionary designs combined with new product finishes and treatments not typically seen in office accessories will debut at Staples stores nationwide beginning mid-Novermber.

Fashion in footwear is hard to find

Fashion footwear brand Steve Madden cited a curious lack of significant fashion trends when it lowered its full year financial outlook after reporting a third quarter sales decline.

The company, which is known to be a trend-setting in the footwear world, said sales for the period ended Sept. 30 declined 0.7% to $392 million and indicated full year sales were likely to increase 1% to 2%.
Menasha and Shelfbucks shine new light on beacons

Leading retail display manufacturer Menasha and in-store beacon technology provider Shelfbucks have joined forces to create “Smart Displays” that put powerful new shopper marketing capabilities in the hands of retailers and brands.
RadioShacks extends its Fix It service

RadioShack’s same-day mobile repair service, branded as Fix it Here!, has been extended to more locations in the Chicago market.

The service is billed as a first-of-its-kind from a national retailer and offers owners of broken mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones the ability to have them repaired the same day, typically in less than two hours, for prices starting at $39.99.
Finish Line aims hashtag promo at women

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line Inc. is launching a digital initiative focused on female customers in step with the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco on Oct. 19. The retailer’s #FNLRunsSF campaign follows the training journeys of eight female fitness gurus, selected from across the country.
Macerich Malls and HGTV partner for high-tech “Santa HQ” experience

New York -- HGTV will launch “Santa HQ,” an immersive experience that transforms the traditional visit with Santa Claus into an interactive journey, at 10 Macerich malls across the country, starting on Nov. 4, and lasting through Dec. 24.
The White Company debuts stylish new store concept

London -- The White Company is showing off a new store concept that delivers a lifestyle-led experience modeled on a journey through the home. The 4,000 sq.ft. store, in Norwich (United Kingdom), builds on the British home goods retailer’s heritage to create an aspirational, curated retail experience. A feeling of accessible luxury permeates the welcoming space.
The Fresh Market opens at The Village at Livingston

Livingston, N.J. -- The Fresh Market celebrated its official opening at The Village At Livingston with “cracking the parmesan,” a centuries-old art and company tradition. The store, which occupies 23,000 sq.ft at the 93,000-sq.-ft. shopping center managed and developed by Eastman Companies, marks the upscale specialty grocer’s third location in New Jersey.
Target Canada opens three new stores

Mississauga, Ont. -- Target Canada is opening three new stores Oct. 17, located in Ottawa, Ont; Sheridan Centre in Mississauga, Ont. and Polo Park in Winnipeg, Man. The opening of the three new stores marks the final stores scheduled to open in 2014 and brings the total number of Target Canada stores open across the country to 133.
Simon malls to offer Ziploop mobile shopping app

Indianapolis –- Simon malls will feature the Ziploop mobile shopping app during the 2014 holiday season. The app stores paper, cards, coupons and certificates and stores them on a mobile device, tablet or desktop.
DSW plans omnichannel ‘Shoe Lover’ promo

Columbus, Ohio -– DSW Inc. is running a one-day promotion called “National Shoe Lover Day” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Each of the 428 DSW stores, plus dsw.com, will participate.