Loyalty Marketing

Taking the long view of what is expected to be moderate consumer demand in the United States, it is apparent the primary sources of growth for retailers are to gain share from competitors and capture a larger share of wallet from existing customers. It’s why there is so much effort expended on the loyalty front, as retailers know success is dependent on keeping existing customers happy and rewarding them ever more generously for their loyalty.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Bankrupt grocer A&P has announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved the $800 million debtor-in-possession financing provided by JPMorgan Chase. Of the total DIP facility, a $350 million term loan immediately has been made available.

As previously reported, A&P filed for bankruptcy on Sunday and will keep its 395 stores open and operational during the proceedings.

In addition, the court granted A&P's motion to approve its request for "first day orders," including:

Montvale, N.J. - The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. on Sunday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it struggles with enormous debt and increased competition from low-priced peers.

The 151-year-old company operates 395 stores around the Northeast under several banners, including A&P, Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, Super Fresh, Pathmark and Food Basics.

New York - Crate and Barrel has joined shopkick, allowing it to deliver location-based shopping rewards simply for visiting stores. By early 2011, rewards will be delivered at all U.S. Crate and Barrel stores.

Atlanta-based Home Depot announced it has launched a new online community designed as a place where do-it-yourselfers can discuss home improvement projects and share their expertise with each other.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Sports Authority has announced a partnership with ShopRunner (http://www.shoprunner.com), a members-only online shopping program that offers consumers unlimited, free two-day shipping with no minimum order size, and free shipping on returns, across a wide selection of retailers.

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle, in a survey released Thursday, found that protecting and building the brand and driving responsible growth are the chief priorities of major retailers for 2011.

The survey, conducted by Jones Lang LaSalle at its recent Retail Executive Forum event, also revealed that the retail industry is placing increasing importance on the value of real estate as a key component of its business and brand strategies for next year.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Borders Group posted sales of  $470.9 million for its third quarter ended Oct. 30, a decrease of 17.6% from the same period a year ago. Same-store sales declined by 12.6%.

The company posted a loss from continuing operations in the third quarter of $74.4 million, versus a loss $37.7 million a year ago.