Branding

Fat-Shaming Cartoons at Lilly Pulitzer Offices Anger Consumers
May 27, 2015 at 3:31 pm

A couple of doodles hanging on the wall have just gotten Lilly Pulitzer into some hot water on social media. In a recent article for The Cut exploring the Lilly Pulitzer headquarters in King of Prussia, Pa., a bright photo gallery reflected the designer's concepts, with vibrant colors and patterns covering many surfaces. But one…

Old Navy Thrives After a Style-Conscious Rebirth
May 18, 2015 at 3:07 pm

For years, Stefan Larsson was Gap’s worst nightmare, as he led H&M’s dizzying expansion in the United States with a combination of designer chic and rock-bottom prices. Three years ago, Gap Inc. hired him and gave him its most challenging brand, Old Navy. Since his arrival, Larsson has led a striking turnaround at the low-cost label, transforming…

J.C. Penney Has Designs on $2B Turnaround From Ill-Fitting Makeover
May 12, 2015 at 4:42 pm

J.C. Penney is starting this pivotal year on an emotional high note. For the first time in five years, 1,000 store managers from across the nation were called to Dallas to collect some healing, recognition and inspiration for the tough times ahead. The company expects to report a first-quarter loss Wednesday, but that’s not a…

Editor's Note: Goodbye ROI Report, Hello Total Retail Report!
May 8, 2015 at 8:49 pm

Don't be on the lookout for your issue of ROI Report on Monday. You won't get it. Instead, your inbox will contain the first issue of Total Retail Report. That's right, Retail Online Integration (ROI) has rebranded to Total Retail.

From ROI to Total Retail
May 1, 2015

The next issue of the magazine you’re holding in your hands will be the debut issue of of Total Retail.

Branding Beyond the Products You Sell
May 1, 2015

Some of us remember a time when manufacturers and retailers wanting to reach their customers would simply place an ad touting their brands and products. Ads could take any of several forms — newspaper, magazine, radio, direct mail and, if the budget allowed, television. The message could be subtle or direct. It would run a number of times according to the ad agency's "proprietary" formula and the consumer would ideally respond by going to their local store to make a purchase.

The New Purity
April 27, 2015

In a surprise move, leading teen retailers announced last week that they're moving away from overly sexualized images in their stores and advertising. Why are they taking sexy back, especially in an industry where "sex sells"? They want to distance themselves from the controversial images they've used in the past that have brought negative attention — and possibly sluggish sales.