Retail Roundup: 6 of the Most Interesting Things Retailers Did in 2014
Francesca Nicasio
LinkedIn Top Voice | Writer & content strategist specializing in retail, ecommerce, and SMB.
Companies launched a lot of noteworthy campaigns in 2014, and as the year comes to a close, I figured it’s a great time to look back at some of the interesting things retailers (and one bank) did in the past 12 months.
From outrageous marketing efforts to using technology in unique ways, this post offers a roundup of some of the best stunts and initiatives that companies implemented in 2014.
Unique in-store experiences
The North Face
Outerwear retailer The North Face gave its customers a scare when it pulled a disappearing floor stunt in one of its popup stores in Korea.
According to AdWeek, unsuspecting shoppers "were startled when the floor below them slowly began to disappear, and they were forced to grab on to the walls, which happened to have rock-climbing holds attached to them. Then, a perfect North Face item descends from the heavens, just out of their reach, and a 30-second timer appears."
See how it all went down in this video:
IKEA
In an effort to give customers a very unique IKEA experience, the Swedish furniture retailer partnered up with Airbnb and invited some families to spend the night at one of its stores.
Participants were treated to an unforgettable sleepover experience. In addition to free food and accommodations, guests were surprised with an orchestra that serenaded them the next morning, along with breakfast in bed and puppies (in bed).
Excellent loyalty efforts
TD Bank
Back in July, TD Canada Trust decided to let their loyal customers know just how much they’re appreciated by turning the bank’s ATM (automated teller machine) into an automated thanking machine that talked to patrons and delivered personalized gifts.
One patron received a plane ticket to visit her daughter in Trinidad, while another mom got $2,000 and a trip to Disneyland for her kids. Another customer even got a chance to throw the first pitch at his favorite baseball team’s game.
Revisit the heartwarming campaign by watching the video below:
Walgreens
Walgreens’ loyalty program also deserves a mention thanks to its creative spin to giving rewards. Aside from giving away points for typical customer activities like buying products or refilling their prescriptions, the pharmacy also lets members earn points simply by making healthy choices.
Customers can log their personal wellness goals and earn points for healthy activities like exercising, sleeping right, tracking their blood pressure, and more.
Omnichannel at its finest
Amazon
Amazon is implementing a great omnichannel strategy. Not only is it enabling customers to shop on their own terms, (i.e. online, mobile, and most recently, brick and mortar), it's also going to great lengths to ensure that shoppers can get their orders however and whenever they want.
In addition, the retailer is working on speeding up fulfillment by establishing more fulfillment locations and implementing same day delivery. It even started arming its centers with robots so it can take care of orders much faster.
Awesome use of mobile
Macy's
While plenty of retailers launched mobile-centric initiatives this year, our favorite comes from Macy’s, which found a way to incorporate geo-targeting into its inventory.
Now, when a potential customer searches for an item on Google, she'll be able to see if it's available at a Macy's location near her.
As AdAge reports, "shoppers can search for an item on their phone and see what’s stocked at their nearest Macy’s location. Alongside the images are product details like price, size and color, directions to the store, and a link to the item on the retailer’s website. The program works with Google’s proximity marketing platform in an effort to drive sales in stores and online during the biggest shopping season of the year."
Your turn
What other interesting stunts or initiatives have you seen in the retail world this year? Let us know in the comments below.
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Managing Director Operations, Sales Manager | What May I Bring To You?
9 年I thought that the Macy's program was really great, that is until we ordered an item that was allegedly in stock. We were told that we would be informed in a matter of several hours as our item was ready for pick up. As we walked in the door, five minutes prior closing, we got the text that our item was NOT available. Yet the item appeared on their "service" still as in-stock as we exited the store. We waled back inside. With a shrug of the shoulders, the manager on duty sent us back out the door.
Marketing Professional
9 年It's one thing to implement loyalty programs, mobile use, and omni-channel marketing. Yet, it is another level to take these strategies to the heights that TD Bank, Macy, etc. took them. Great article!
Business Owner at Global entrepreneurial activity
9 年Useful and interesting. My favourite is The North Face
LinkedIn Top Voices | Principal, MG2 and Founder of The Lionesque Group | Host of Retail Refined Podcast
9 年Love what North face did!
Director, Fixed Operations
9 年Very bold step by Macy's blending online with brick-n-mortar...places a heavy emphasis on inventory integrity as to not disappoint customers with OOS or wrong sizes reflecting as OH, especially with apparel.