Marketing Tactics

Canton, Mass. – The costs of converting its Casual Male XL banner to the DXL banner helped Destination XL swing to a net loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The retailer reported a net loss of $3.5 million, compared to net income of $1 million last year.

For the quarter, total sales were $96.8 million, up 3% from $94 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The increase in total sales was primarily due to an increase in same-store sales of 3.4%

New York -- Teen retailer Delia’s announced that its CFO, David Dick, has resigned. He will remain with the company through Aug. 1.

Emeryville, Calif. - Jamba, Inc., parent company of Jamba Juice, is partnering with DanceOn, a YouTube network exclusively dedicated to dance entertainment, to execute a digital campaign to inspire customers to participate in the "Blend in the Good" summer dance video contest. From now until Aug. 31, the online contest will encourage dance enthusiasts to submit unique videos.

Los Angeles - Social Reality Inc., an Internet advertising and platform technology company that provides tools to automate the digital advertising market, is launching the latest version of its GroupAd platform. GroupAd is a social media management platform that allows brands to identify and reward brand advocates.  

Nashville, Tenn. — Opry Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Tennessee, has expanded its staff with the addition of three new professions. Natalie Smailis has been named marketing/tourism coordinator. Jamie Phillips will serve as guest services manager. Billy Patton will step into the role of director of operations.

By David Holland, DataSource

Local store marketing, or “neighborhood marketing,” refers to complex and variable distribution based on the needs of individual business locations. Many local marketing campaigns take place in a reactive, disruptive, and last minute environment. These responsive situations provide the greatest opportunity for an emotional connection with the consumer – which is why local store marketing is so important.

Destination XL Group has named Peter H. Stratton Jr. as SVP, CFO and treasurer, effective June 1. Stratton replaces John E. Kyees, who was serving as interim CFO, and will report to president and CEO David Levin.

Stratton has been serving as the company’s SVP of finance, corporate controller and chief accounting officer since Sept. 2009. He joined the company in June of the same year as VP of finance.

Omnichannel retail company Delia’s, which markets apparel, accessories and footwear to teenage girls, is looking for a new CFO. Current financial chief David Dick has resigned and will remain with the company through Aug. 1.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has added two industry veterans to lead the company’s marketing and merchandising divisions. The company has named Jim Wright as SVP of marketing and advertising, and Megan Featherston as SVP of merchandising.

Fred’s wants to be what it calls “the convenient small box store of choice” and to achieve that goal, it has embarked on a two-pronged strategy focused on general merchandise and pharmacy.