Sales & Marketing

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores named Paul White to the position of executive VP and chief merchandising officer.

White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Discount retailer Stein Mart named Hunt Hawkins COO and expanded his responsibilities to include store operations and e-commerce at the 263-unit chain. Hawkins previously served as EVP and chief administrative officer with responsibility for information technology, supply chain and human resources, responsibilities he will retain in his new role.

San Diego -- Transaction Wireless announced that Sport Chalet has selected the Transaction Wireless cloud-based gift card platform to deliver personalized plastic and e-gift cards with added marketing capabilities to drive digital promotional campaigns when delivering notifications to gift card recipients.

York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced it has signed a new, multi-year private-label credit card program agreement with Alliance Data, a provider of loyalty and marketing solutions.

By Jacob Thompson

Mobile payments provide retailers an opportunity to take advantage of the newest method of payment. The Center of Retail Research recently released some interesting figures, numbers that clearly shows the growing trend of customers using mobile money. It also predicted that about one out of every 10 shoppers would purchase a gift this holiday season using a mobile device. 

Schaumburg, Ill. -- Three in four (75%) surveyed retail associates and managers feel they provide a better in-store customer experience when equipped with the latest mobile technologies, according to Motorola Solutions’ annual Holiday Shopping Survey.

Shoppers echoed a similar sentiment, with 67% reporting greater satisfaction with stores where associates utilized the latest technologies to assist in the shopping experience. And 43% of shoppers reported that the mobile point of sale improved their shopping experience.

Marketing claims about the lowest prices on the season on limited quantities for limited times are common throughout the holidays as retailers look to create a sense of urgency and close the sale with consumers. But haven’t consumer grown wise to these tactics?

With the exception of apparel markdowns, consumers have learned and retailers have taught them that another low price is just around the corner and that quantities are unlimited even though featured items may change.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced Monday that it is offering customers last-minute deals on such brands as Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, NordicTrack, Lands' End and Kardashian Kollection. 

Deals being offered at Sears stores Dec. 23 to Dec. 24 include 70% off fine jewelry, up to 65% off fashion boots, 35% off fragrance sets, 50% off all Craftsmen Mechanics tool sets, 60% off the NordicTrack fleece at only $9.99 (Reg. $26 ), Samsung 46-inch 3D TV for $999.99 (save $600 ) and 55% off sleepwear and sets for kids.