Sales & Marketing

Expect more FAO Schwarz-branded toys, in-store “experiences” and even possible freestanding stores in the very near future.    In an unexpected announcement, ThreeSixty Group said it has acquired FAO Schwarz from Toys “R” Us. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  Toys “R” Us purchased FAO Schwarz in 2009.    

From increased budgets to a desire for free shipping to gifts for pets, PwC’s “2016 Holiday Outlook” report predicts the following trends will drive the upcoming holiday season:    1. Bigger holiday budgets: Shoppers will likely spend 10% more this holiday season; an average of $1,121 each. And consumers with annual household incomes less than $50,000 will likely increase their percentage spending levels even more than consumers overall.  

Consumers’ lack of enthusiasm around the value of chip card usage could impact the upcoming holiday season. This month marks the year anniversary of the introduction of mandated Europay, MasterCard, Visa (EMV) chip card payments at retail stores across the United States. However, high levels of consumer frustration and confusion remain widespread, according to new research published by Cayan, a payment technology provider.

In the strongest forecast so far this year, holiday spending is expected to reach its highest point since the Great Recession, led by strong digital sales.   That’s according to PwC’s 2016 Holiday Outlook, which forecasts a 10% total rise in holiday spending over last year, and a 25% rise in digital sales.    “The great news for all retailers is consumers are much more optimistic this holiday season,” said Steven Barr, PwC’s U.S. retail & consumer leader. 

The retailer opened 11 new stores in the U.S. and Canada for the quarter ending Aug. 1, 2016. This adds to the 12 new stores it opened in the first quarter, bringing the total for the year to 23.    PetSmart is on track to achieve its goal of 80 net new stores in 2016.   The new stores average around 14,000 sq. ft., with service offerings such as grooming and pet training.  

As consumers connect with their favorite brands, they expect a consistent shopping experience.   With the help of Salesforce.com, The Aldo Group consolidated shopper data across its enterprise so it can create a singular shopping experience. By adding a cloud-based platform, Aldo gained 360-degree views of each shopper, a move that provides better insight into their preferences and allows the chain to engage with consumers more effectively.  

​Bass Pro Shops is entering into a 10-year agreement with Capital One, a move that will make the card provider the exclusive issuing partner of co-branded credit cards to Cabela's customers.

Don’t believe the rumors. Kmart is not going out of business.   That’s according to Eddie Lampert, the beleaguered  CEO of Kmart parent company Sears Holdings Corp.