The Bloomingdale’s Holiday Campaign Is Better Than Ever Plus Other Great Stores Plan More Sales
The excitement is clearly building. In the next few days, most major retailers will officially kick of the holiday season and open their doors to families who want to shop for Christmas. Even as some holiday activity has already started, now is when we see festive displays and major holiday promotions make their big debuts.
Here are a few highlights of what you will see going on.
Bloomingdale’s has tied its fortunes to Wonka, the new Warner Brother’s spectacular. There will even be a carousel. All of Bloomingdale’s will be transformed into a world of imagination that will welcome young and old. Expect to see colorful new gifts suggestions in the shoe department, among the handbags, and in barware and accessories. According to the release, there will also be Hallmark Happy Socks and Junk Food Clothing.
Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s parent, is celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary. There will be a full display of Disney merchandise in the Herald Square flagship store. From apparel, jewelry and accessories, to toys and home, the full collection of Disney products will be in Herald Square. Otherwise, you will only find the full brand collection available at Disney Parks in North America. There will be a Disney Shop which will include key items and products from Swarovski, Lenox, Kurt Adler, and Hallmark. In addition, there will be Ray Ban Sunglasses and also Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse perfume. It would have been even better (certainly from a sales standpoint) if Macy’s branches could participate in selling this brand. Of course, there will be sales for everyoe.
Nordstrom will continue its partnership with Giving Tuesday. Nordstrom is making it easy for employees and customers to give to causes that help the communities they serve. One of the key objectives is to give kids a high-quality coat and more through a collaboration with Operation Warm. Initiated in 2018, the program has, to-date, delivered more than 72,000 coats for kids in need. This year the objective is 20,000 additional coats. Customers can donate at checkouts; for only $25, they can provide a warm coat for a child in need. Similarly, through another long-term partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters has received more than $2.4 million in support.
Amazon plans to get attention by featuring favorite items across several categories at low prices. It has published a list of 36 hot items that have been reduced for the holiday selling season. They will be featured on Black Friday (November 24, 2023) and Cyber Monday (November 27, 2023).
Kohl’s has adopted the slogan, “Gifts, Deals & Holiday Feels” to kick off its holiday promotions. There will be an extra $10 off on home purchases over $50. Kids will have a big toy department (which competes with Macy’s Toys “R” Us in all Macy’s stores) and Kohl’s advertising will highlight new markdowns (which every competitor will also have). Management hopes the Sephora departments, in more than 900 stores, will attract more young customers. The store is also attracting more Gen Z and Gen Alpha customers with new departments that feature Claire’s products and other collections appealing to these young shoppers.
Walmart has deals for men, women, children, the home and many more categories. Savings are effective on-line when Thanksgiving Day starts (November 23rd) and some savings are really terrific. On Black Friday, stores open early (5 or 6am). A booklet with all the deals will be available and distributed in major newspapers. All hands will be on deck to ensure no one gets hurts in the initial rush to the dream widget.
Target’s 1956 stores feature kid’s approved toys from FAO Schwarz and Vtech. The company has given 5% of its profits to communities since 1946. Today that equals to millions of dollars a week. It enables families to discover the joy of everyday life – especially during the holiday season. The stores will have many value offerings.
POSTSCRIPT: This list of retailers is not complete, and additions will be posted as information becomes available. Updates on these retailers will be shared as well. Of course, Bloomingdale’s will have sale items and closeouts to complement its Wonka merchandising and displays. In that way, customers can show off all sorts of treasures they have found.
I am delighted to note that Thanksgiving Day will again be a family day when the turkey dinner can be enjoyed and holiday shopping will wait until Black Friday. Pre-pandemic, stores were open on Thanksgiving Day and a turkey dinner was ruined for retail working families.
