Marketing Tactics

The trajectory of gift card sales is a true testament to their importance at given points in the calendar. Smart retailers have ramped up their gift card offerings both in the store and online; and from the recipients’ point of view, we know from our consumer research that gift cards rank as the No. 1 preferred holiday gift, and have done so for the last eight years — above and beyond any other gift — because they offer customers unlimited selection, pure convenience and personal choice.

Enter promotions

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. putting its money where its mouth is in terms of ethical and sustainable sourcing. Starbucks is making a new commitment to contribute $30 million in the next five years as part of its Global Farmer Fund program that aids sustainable farming operations.

It doesn't really matter whether shoppers are familiar with hoops star Emmanuel Mudiay yet, because Foot Locker is launching a campaign that explains everything.

The specialty athletic retailer has launched a YouTube video campaign called "Life Changes After the Draft" – a series of four, 15-second commercials with Under Armour featuring top-NBA Draft prospect Emmanuel Mudiay.

Men's Wearhouse is inspiring a future generation of men to shop its stores with its eighth annual National Suit Drive.

The six-week initiative collects donations of gently-used professional attire for unemployed Americans. The clothing will be distributed to over 180 local non-profit organizations that provide job-ready skills, training and seminars to disadvantaged men and women entering or re-entering the workforce. As part of this year's National Suit Drive, Men's Wearhouse is issuing a challenge to consumers to meet or exceed the goal of 250,000 donated items.

Ann Arbor, Mich. – A no-hitter is an exciting event for baseball fans. For digitally connected baseball fans who also love pizza, no-hitters just got more exciting.

Domino’s Pizza and Major League Baseball (MLB) are extending an omnichannel partnership that provides free pizzas to the first 20,000 registered MLB.com users who visit a dedicated MLB.com/dominos page and log in. The offer is redeemable for carryout pizzas only and available for five consecutive days or until 20,000 codes are given away.

New York – Barneys New York keeps expanding its use of  social media. The luxury retailer will enable customers to shop directly from a link embedded in its official Instagram account. Utilizing technology from Like2Buy, the feature will link customers to shoppable Instagram images which connect to the Barneys e-commerce site.

T.J.Maxx has come up with a creative way to encourage shoppers to support children in need.

The retailer is launching the "Maxx Kids Art Contest" to support organizations that help children in need reach their full potential, such as Save the Children. Winning artwork will appear on future products sold in T.J.Maxx stores that will benefit children in need. In addition, all winners will receive a $250 savings bond.

Costa Mesa, Calif. – Anna’s Linens’ stores will soon be history.