Loyalty Marketing

Ace Hardware is America’s favorite home improvement store and Costco is the favorite for home furnishings, according to a new survey by Market Force Information.

Hackensack, N.J. – Frequency of customer visits and customer delight are crucial indicators of customer loyalty. According to a new survey of 1,000 adult U.S. consumers from branding firm Strativity Group Inc., almost 40% of customers interact with their favorite company at least weekly.

Seattle – Net earnings rose 16% to $494.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 from $427 million a year earlier at Starbucks Corp. Cost of sales grew at a slower pace than extremely strong revenue growth, which helped boost profits.

Starbucks plans to open 1,650 net new stores globally during fiscal 2015. This includes 600 new stores in the Americas, half licensed; 200 new stores in Europe/Middle East/Africa, primarily licensed; and 850 new stores in China/Asia-Pacific, primarily licensed.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is overhauling both how its stores operate and how it markets its brand image. According to the Columbus Business Journal, Abercrombie will focus on the in-store customer experience with features like order-in-store technology and techniques to keep lines short.

Cupertino, Calif. – Tech geeks rejoice: the Apple Watch from Apple Inc. is here. From a retail perspective, the device Apple Inc. calls “our most personal device yet” offers new ways to engage consumers, who are obtaining new ways to stay digitally connected.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s Department Stores is wasting no time in releasing an Apple Watch app. The retailer launched its shopping app for Apple Watch users April 24, the same day Apple Watch became officially available to the public.

Kohl’s Apple Watch app functions similarly to its mobile app, allowing customers to track their savings offers, including Kohl's Coupons, Yes2You Rewards and Kohl's Cash. These offers can be scanned from Apple Watch at checkout
 

Victoria's Secret has recruited a couple of Angels to help the retailer launch a new holiday for women: International Bombshells Day.

To be held on the first Saturday of May, the brand will be encouraging women to embrace their inner bombshell and spoil themselves all day with their girlfriends. Plus, they will receive exclusive and limited-time offers at Victoria's Secret Stores and on VictoriasSecret.com.

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores is embracing its branding as “America’s Appliance Experts” with a refresh of seven stores in Arizona, among other states.

The store refresh includes a new product assortment, redesigned merchandising, new fixtures & signage, and comprehensive employee training, among other changes.