Department stores increasing marketing, price cuts

A number of department and specialty stores are planning to increase both the amount of marketing and the level of price cuts during the holiday season.

• "Kohl's, a mid-priced retailer of clothing and home goods, said it would substantially increase its marketing and cut prices to attract bargain-hunters on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving."
• "J.C. Penney Co Inc and other department store chains plan similar increases in holiday promotions and marketing ..."
• "Limited Brands, whose main chains are Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works, also expects to be more promotional than previously planned, the retailer said Thursday on a call with investors."

I don't think a lot of retailers and suppliers in those sectors have very sophisticated pricing optimization tools. Too bad -- they'd be a big help. It's good to see, though, that they are looking at more than price cuts, and that they are planning to also market their way through the storm.