Marketing

RadioShack’s same-store sales and gross margin fell markedly in the first quarter, as the retailer put CFO Dorvin Lively in charge of its growing but currently unprofitable store-within-a-store relationship with Target.

Top toy makers Hasbro and Mattel are struggling through tough quarters, but smaller U.S. rival Step2 grew its toy sales over the past 18 months, in part by employing social media and web review software.

Giving a new meaning to the phrase ‘window shopping, Bloomingdale's has replaced its traditional window displays with interactive sunglasses shops. Now, instead of merely looking at sunglasses in a window, passerbys can virtually try them on.

Here's a great little digital stunt by Ikea. To emphasize the point that its furniture and other products help you to save space, the Swedish retailer has squeezed an entire store—some 2,800 products—inside a 300-by-250 pixel banner ad.

Consumers shopping online today are searching for more than a quick bargain. They're looking for brands that value their loyalty, provide quality service that's available when they need it, and deliver a site experience that's effortless and, most importantly, personalized to their specific needs and preferences. In fact, according to a recent IBM survey, more consumers are willing to actively share information if it means they'll receive a more personalized shopping experience. There's no denying it — providing a personalized online experience is essential for any retailer looking to win new customers and retain existing ones.

ANN Inc., the parent company of Ann Taylor and Loft, has launched AnnCares360, a program in partnership with Good360, the nonprofit leader in product philanthropy. The program will facilitate the donation of available displays, marketing items and fixtures to local charities that support women and children. Through the program, all ANN Inc. stores can enter valued, reusable goods into a tracking system that will link to Good360's online product donation marketplace and its network of more than 26,000 charities. 

Destination Maternity announced an exclusive retail partnership with acclaimed photographer Anne Geddes as well as the launch of the U.S. edition of my Pregnancy: A Woman's Story. 

Amazon.com added a new option for sellers who wish to contact buyers about negative feedback. The "Resolve" feedback button in Feedback Manager allows sellers to email buyers directly to begin resolving any problems with an order. The button is available only when a buyer posts a feedback rating of one or two stars. "If you receive negative buyer feedback, it is important to quickly determine the cause of the problem and work toward resolving it with the buyer," the company said in its announcement to sellers. 

Sears has appointed Leveraged Marketing Corp. of America as its exclusive global licensing agent as it looks to capitalize on ways to sell its signature Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands outside its own stores. Sears said it will work closely with Leveraged Marketing to identify, evaluate and manage licensing opportunities around the world.

Details about H&M’s new retail concept, slated to open in 2013, are leaking out in dribs and drabs. Although the company announced last week it would open another chain when it gave its first quarter report, no name or other details were revealed. In the meantime, Dagens Nyheter, the Swedish news organization, reported that trademarks and logos for “& other stories” were registered by H&M last year. Today, H&M confirmed that “& other stories” is indeed the name of the new chain.