Sales & Marketing

Sports Authority is trying out a new store format in its first-ever store in Puerto Rico. The 35,000-sq.-ft. location in Ponce opened its doors Saturday, Oct. 19.

The company describes the new format as an intuitive one that allows consumers to easily find exactly what they need. Featuring specialty sport shops and a spacious layout, the store has been designed specifically to enhance the shopping experience.

Los Angeles – Almost seven-in-10 (66%) shoppers feel retailers will offer better prices and discounts this year due to the current state of the economy. The new Winter Holiday Shopping Survey from PriceGrabber also shows that 21% of holiday shoppers said they started saving money before June, while the majority of survey respondents plan to start shopping for the holidays in October and November.

Tiffany & Co. is launching its enhanced Tiffany.com e-commerce site, which includes improved zoom capabilities and several expanded sections.
 
Blue Book, the company’s collection of couture jewels, is showcased with scenes from the Tiffany Workshop where they are created, as well as an expanded engagement section with a gemologist’s video and review of Tiffany’s quality standards.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods opens a new store in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Nov. 1. The Corpus Christi location will be the retailer's 21st store in the state of Texas and its 549th nationwide.

"We look forward to opening our new Dick’s Sporting Goods in Corpus Christi, becoming part of the community and serving athletes of all ages by providing them the equipment they need to excel." said Lauren Hobart, senior VP and chief marketing officer, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Guitar Center is preparing to unveil a new Serato-branded digital music area in its Brooklyn store location at an all-day red carpet event open to the public on Oct. 24. The new Serato-branded digital music area will offer DJs and aspiring music producers a place to try out the latest products.

The launch coincides with the expansion of Guitar Center's Music Mentor program, which offers customers free lessons and instruction for top DJ and digital music products, as well as the completion of an extensive renovation to the Brooklyn, N.Y., store on Flatbush Avenue.

New York -- RadioShack has secured a financial boost from GE Capital, securing a loan of about $835 million, according to Marketwatch.com.

The loan, backed by inventory and other existing assets, will help the chain refinance the company's outstanding bank debt and free up cash for its ongoing revamp, the report said.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue, in partnership with Stylewhile, has launched a new iPad App that allows users to fit clothing to their specific body type before purchase. Not only can users virtually 'try on' clothes, but they can also use the App to select various items from retailers to create and style complete looks with the touch of a button.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us 2013 holiday marketing plans include  a new TV campaign that will feature a group of real-life children from local New York charities who think they’re going on a field trip, but actually are going to a Toys “R” Us store where they are given free rein.

Featured at the end of each TV commercial and throughout many of the company’s print and online marketing vehicles, is the hashtag, #WishinAccomplished.