News

Louisville - Gasoline and convenience-store chain Thorntons Inc. is receiving its own refreshing results from its Paytronix-powered “Refreshing Rewards” loyalty program. Since the program was launched in September 2014, Thorntons Refreshing Rewards program managers have been successfully using targeted promotions to get members to visit more frequently and are leveraging program data for category management.  

By Kris Bjorson, JLL

As recently as a year or two ago, “mobile retailing” was a major industry buzzword. Everyone was busy trying to figure out how to best “mobile-enable” their enterprise.

New York -- In today's data-filled world, many retailers are missing some of the most basic — and important — metrics of all: store data and conversion rates. Join this Chain Store Age Webinar on Jan. 29, 2 p.m. (EST), and learn how the insights gained from this data can give companies an edge in today's hypercompetive, omnichannel retail environment. Analytics expert Mark Ryski will discuss how insights from store traffic and conversion analytics can help retailers deliver better results.

Brussels, Belgium – The addition of a 53rd week in fiscal 2014 for its U.S. operations helped global grocery conglomerate Delhaize Group make up for disappointing results from its Belgium stores. Including the extra week and benefiting from retail inflation, fourth quarter U.S. revenues were $5.23 billion, a 12% increase from $4.67 billion the same period a year earlier.

New York – Consumers mostly spent within their means during the 2014 holiday season. Only one-in-six Americans spent more than expected this holiday season, according to a new Bankrate.com report.  

This is consistent with readings in previous years. Millennials (Americans ages 18-29) were twice as likely as those ages 30-49 to have spent more during the holidays than intended. Overall, one-in-four Americans spent less than expected this holiday season.

Grapevine, Texas – GameStop is running its annual “Re-Fun Your Refund” program. Starting Jan. 26 and running through March 1, customers can use their tax refund to pick up video games or electronics.

GameStop is offering a variety of discounts and special offers for video games, consumer electronics, and accessories. For the second consecutive year, GameStop is partnering with H&R Block to bring exclusive GameStop deals to H&R Block Emerald Card holders and can be redeemed at all GameStop store locations or online.

Ann Arber, Mich. – Domino’s Pizza is launching its Domino’s Tracker digital order tracker for Samsung Smart TV. Domino's customers who have a Samsung Smart TV can track their order each step of the way, from the time it is taken, to when it is put in the oven and sent out for delivery.

This marks the first time that Domino's Tracker is available on any television platform. In order to use the tracking feature, customers must have a 2014 or newer Samsung Smart TV.

Atlanta -- PGA Tour Superstore, which is backed by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, has signed a multi-year national partnership agreement with Golf Channel that includes a brand integration program and a strategic media buy.

Former Pep Boys and Bass Pro Shops marketing executive Ron Stoupa has joined the Sports Authority as executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

Stoupa will be responsible for leading the strategic development and oversight of the company’s marketing plans. The Englewood, Co.-based company operates 466 locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.