Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet 2/12/13: Target regains mojo; Home Depot’s Carol Tome HOF video

 

“Target regains its mojo” by Thomas Lee at Star-Tribune.  “Sunday night’s Grammy Awards wasn’t just the return of Justin Timberlake. The buzz from the “SexyBack” singer also rubbed off on Target, which rolled out a commercial during the awards touting an exclusive version of JT’s first album in six years, “The 20/20 Experience.”  The retailer also will announce Tuesday that it’s teaming with Sports Illustrated to present six pages of ads in this year’s swimsuit issue. Target also launched an exclusive spring design collection from Prabal Gurung over the weekend.  It’s all part of the latest marketing push from Jeff Jones. Since joining the Minneapolis retailer as chief marketing officer last year, he has taken Target’s traditional marketing strength and fused it with a pop-culture twist.”  Read more:  https://www.startribune.com/business/190786011.html

 

Home Depot’s Carol Tome — Atlanta Business Hall of Fame video.  See it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmzgX9Qq7KQ

 

“CVS Caremark Appoints New Chief Digital Officer to Lead Digital Innovation Team”  “CVS Caremark announced today the appointment of Brian Tilzer to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer…Tilzer has more than 20 years of experience in strategic business development, operations and information technology, with a deep concentration in corporate and e-commerce strategy. Prior to joining CVS Caremark, he was the Senior Vice President of Global e-Commerce with Staples, where he developed and led several multi-channel digital innovation strategies.”  Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6283523&access=EH

 

“Wal-Mart Remains Built To Last Regardless Of Competitive Threat Of Amazon” by Tim Travis at Seeking Alpha.  “Whenever an investor considers buying a retail stock, it is wise to assess how that company is coping with the massive threat presented by Amazon. E-commerce is growing rapidly and the advantages in Amazon’s cost structure through its efficient distribution network, as opposed to a large retail real estate footprint, will likely enhance its competitive position, even more so over time with the majority of retailers. Wal-Mart is highly focused on the threat of Amazon and in my estimation is by far and away the best prepared of the large retail companies to emerge even stronger over time”  Read more:  https://seekingalpha.com/article/1172201-wal-mart-remains-built-to-last-regardless-of-competitive-threat-of-amazon?source=google_news

 

“San Francisco’s City Target Store: An Urban Goldmine” by Rocco Pendola at The Street.  “Here’s where I stand on Target’s urban strategy now, which, by the way, interests me because I’m a big fan of urban environments.  One — I’m still majorly disappointed. Target had an opportunity to do something special in its urban stores. Instead, it ignored anything resembling retail innovation, pulling from the same tired tool box it uses in its suburban stores. Calling what Target is doing in the urban core a “concept” makes it sound all-too-sophisticated. It’s nothing but an urban planning and design workaround. There’s resistance to huge big box stores in places such as San Francisco. Therefore, Target compromises and opens slightly smaller stores.”  Read more:  https://www.thestreet.com/story/11837537/1/san-franciscos-city-target-store-an-urban-goldmine.html

 

“Amazon Ranks No. 1 In Mobile Satisfaction Index” by Laurie Sullivan at Online Media Daily.  “In a recent study, Amazon took the No. 1 spot in mobile satisfaction, per the ForeSee Mobile Satisfaction Index: Holiday Retail Edition, which was just released. Apple followed at No. 2 with 83 points; QVC, 83; NewEgg, 80; and Victoria’s Secret, 80.  Target, Victoria’s Secret, and Barnes & Noble saw the biggest improvements in the Index’s rankings.  Read more: https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/193247/amazon-ranks-no-1-in-mobile-satisfaction-index.html#ixzz2Kgq4lQkW

 

“Women in Toys grants industry awards, face time with Walmart” by Wendy Goldman Getzler at Kidscreen.  “Professional organization Women in Toys, which since 1991 has supported women within the global toy, licensing and entertainment industries, awarded 10 women and two men for outstanding business achievement at its ninth annual Wonder Women Awards yesterday.  The organization has also announced a new initiative with Walmart called The Walmart WIT Global Economic Empowerment Initiative at Toy Fair, designed to help members conduct business with the largest US retailer. The Walmart Toy Buying Team has dedicated an afternoon to meet with more than 40 WIT member companies who have businesses but are not yet doing business with Walmart.”  Read more:  https://kidscreen.com/2013/02/11/women-in-toys-grants-industry-awards-face-time-with-walmart/#ixzz2Kgn6AbZ0

 

“Product of the Year USA Unveils The Nation’s Most Innovative Consumer Packaged Goods Of 2013”  Product of the Year USA has consistently increased in popularity as the largest consumer product award that rewards innovation. Chosen by 50,000 consumers, Product of the Year USA will honor the nation’s most innovative consumer packaged goods of 2013 at its 5th annual Awards Ceremony, taking place at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on Tuesday, February 12.  A few of the candidates:

Pet Care – Adams™ Smart Shield™ Applicator – Central Garden and Pet

Laundry Packs – All® Mighty Pacs – Sun Products Corporation

Oral Care – Aquafresh® Extreme Clean Pure Breath Action Paste – GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Insect Repellent – OFF!® Bug Control Backyard Pretreat – SC Johnson

Home Appliance – SodaStream Revolution Home Soda Maker – SodaStream USA

Liquid Laundry – Surf Liquid Laundry Detergent – Sun Products Corporation

OTC Relief – TUMS® Freshers – GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Read more:  https://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=6283976&access=EH

 

“Nomi Raises $3 Million to Help Retailers Fight Amazon” by Tricia Duryee at All Things D.  “Rather than compete with Amazon on price alone, Nomi wants to help retailers provide better service by tracking consumer behavior across in-store and online channels. It is announcing a $3 million round today, led by First Round Capital. Other investors include Greycroft Partners, SV Angel, Forerunner Ventures and several angels.”  Read more:  https://allthingsd.com/20130211/nomi-raises-3-million-to-help-retailers-fight-amazon/?refcat=news

 

“Supermarket chain Aldi to open up to 50 stores across South Australia” by Giuseppe Tauriello at Adelaide Now.  “Australia managing director Tom Daunt said the company was committed to expanding its footprint in SA after opening almost 300 stores along the eastern seaboard since 2001.  The chain will also enter the West Australian market, planning to build another 50 stores.  “The benefits associated with Aldi’s decision to enter into the South Australian market will be substantial, with hundreds of millions in capital investment, over 900 new permanent jobs and a final rollout of 40 to 50 stores across the state,” Mr Daunt said.”  Read more:  https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/discount-supermarket-chain-aldi-to-open-40-stores-across-south-australia/story-e6fredel-1226576224850

 

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