Omnichannel

Retail marketing execs bullish on holiday sales
Steadily climbing consumer confidence and retail sales growth have U.S. retail chief marketing officers feeling optimistic ahead of this holiday season.
The New Skill Set of Today’s Chief Merchandising Officer
When retail consisted mainly of brick and mortar stores, the role of the chief merchandising officer (CMO) focused almost exclusively on selecting merchandise, designing display strategies and planograms and driving category performance. This role was typically held by people who rose into the role as buyers. That’s because buyers first and foremost excel at spotting the next hottest trend while also having a keen eye on the dollars and cents side of the business.

eBay launches holiday campaign

eBay is the latest retailer to get into the holiday spirit with a campaign that transcends television, online and its mobile app.
New York & Co. names Sears, Ann Taylor vet to head up marketing and online

New York & Company appointed Michelle Pearlman as executive VP, e-commerce and chief marketing officer. Pearlman, a member of the company’s board of directors since 2011, has resigned from her duties as a director to lead the company’s omnichannel strategy. In her new role, she will be responsible for the apparel retailer’s e-commerce business, as well as all marketing and visual aspects of the chain’s integrated omnichannel strategy.
Report: Toys 'R' Us goes smaller, more interactive

Toys “R” Us is looking to shake up its store experience. The retailer has opened a new “experience-driven” prototype in Santa Ana, California, near South Coast Plaza, The Orange County Register reported.
Ballard Designs expanding with new store prototype

Cataloger and online retailer Ballard Designs, a division of HSN, Inc., is looking to engage customers with a new retail experience that emphasizes customization.
Saks Fifth Avenue unveils a sweet holiday theme, along with some special services

Saks Fifth Avenue is transforming its stores into a candy wonderland for the holidays. The retailer’s holiday theme this year is called “Land of 1000 Delights” and it will appear in all 41 Saks’ full-priced stores in the U.S. and Canada. Jumbo swirl lollipops, whipped cotton candy and mounds of rock candy are just some of the colorful décor that will make up each store’s visual displays.
Tech Bytes: Three ways to succeed on Singles’ Day — even if it’s half a world away

Black Friday weekend is just around the corner. But as retailers remained focused on one-day sales, exclusive sneak peeks and door busters, they are missing the boat on a much more lucrative opportunity — Singles’ Day.
Report: Chinese shoppers’ interest in Singles’ Day slips

While Singles’ Day has morphed into the world’s biggest shopping extravaganza, the event’s allure may be losing some luster.
Toys ‘R’ Us going on 30-hour shopping marathon

The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer isn’t worried about any so-called Thanksgiving backlash. Toys “R” Us announced plans to open its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving — and keep them open (in nearly all locations) for 30 hours straight, closing them at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. It’s the fourth consecutive year the chain has opened at 5 p.m. on the holiday.

Retail marketing execs bullish on holiday sales

The New Skill Set of Today’s Chief Merchandising Officer

eBay launches holiday campaign

New York & Co. names Sears, Ann Taylor vet to head up marketing and online

Report: Toys 'R' Us goes smaller, more interactive

Ballard Designs expanding with new store prototype

Saks Fifth Avenue unveils a sweet holiday theme, along with some special services

Tech Bytes: Three ways to succeed on Singles’ Day — even if it’s half a world away

Report: Chinese shoppers’ interest in Singles’ Day slips

Toys ‘R’ Us going on 30-hour shopping marathon