Executive Summary

• Bloomingdale’s is offering a similar amount of promotions and sales this week as it did during the same week last year. The retailer offered up to two online-exclusive promotions last year, while it promoted two in-store-exclusive sales this week. This week, it is featuring a new section for discounted items of the week, which was not seen last year. The retailer is using text message marketing this week, which was used during this week last year.
• JCPenney is promoting slightly more sales this week than it did during the same week last year. The retailer offered up to two online or in-store exclusive promotions, which have not been promoted this week. Instead, JCPenney had a one-day deals promotion, including 70% off select jewelry. This week, the retailer is starting its Black Friday promotions, while it did not last year.
• Kohl’s is running fewer sales this year than it did during the same week last year. The company is offering shoppers the friends and family promotion, as it did last year. Kohl’s is beginning its Black Friday promotions this week by emphasizing its once-a-year Kohl’s Cash of $15 for every $50 spent. During the same week last year, the company had its first-ever jewelry event that offered an extra 25% off jewelry and watches that were already 25%–60% off.
• Macy’s is offering a similar amount of promotions this week as it did last year during the same week. In the same week both years, the company had its Super Saturday sale offering discounts on select departments. Macy’s is starting its Black Friday doorbuster promotions by featuring 60% off women’s coats and an extra 25%–50% off clearance designer handbags.