Executive Summary

• Bloomingdale’s is offering a similar number of promotions this week as it did during the same week last year. This week, the retailer is offering one online-exclusive home sale, but it did not offer any online-exclusive sales during the same week last year. In both years, Bloomingdale’s promoted its beauty treats online and in stores. This week, the retailer is also promoting new perks for customers who are Bloomingdale’s American Express cardholders. Last year, it promoted the online release of its outlet store. The retailer used text message marketing during this week last year, but is not using it this week.
• JCPenney is also promoting a similar number of offers this week compared with last year. The retailer is offering two online-only promotions this week, while it did not promote any last year during the same week. This week, JCPenney began its Black Friday promotions, which it had not yet begun during the same week last year.
• Kohl’s is running slightly fewer sales this year than it did during the same week last year. Last year, the company began its Black Friday deals during this week, including a one-day online-exclusive sale, but it has not offered any Black Friday deals so far this week. Kohl’s is currently offering a Kohl’s Cash promotion similar to the one it ran last week; last year at this time, it promoted both Kohl’s Charge and Kohl’s Cash.
• Macy’s is offering fewer promotions this week than it did last year during the same week. In both years, Macy’s featured a pop-up sale and a one-day shopping event. The company offered an in-store-only promotion with free items and promoted its Macy’s Star Rewards program last year, but is not offering similar promotions this week.