AM Inbox: Sears email redesign

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RetailEmail.Blogspot monitors the email marketing campaigns of more than 100 of the top online retailers. Here are highlights from our inbox this morning:

Sears, 5/22 — Sizzling Savings on Craftsman, Maytag, Sony & More
Sears has redesigned its emails, changing the navigation bar, adding a search field and simplifying its body design. Sears started using the new design with a May 14 email.

In the navigation bar, they added a Gifts department and changed the name of its Electronics department to Electronics & Computers. Above the nav bar, they added a search field in the spot where they had previously put small promotional messages. And in the body of the message, I think they really cleaned up the design, using more white space and simple line rules as section dividers.

Here is the new design in yesterday’s email (left) next to the old design from a May 11 email:


SUBJECTIVITY SCANNER:
RedEnvelope, 5/22 — Free Father's Day shipping. Earn preferred child status.
Williams-Sonoma, 5/22 — Exclusive: Monogrammed Grilling Tools for Dad
Sports Authority, 5/22 — Shop our Gift Center for Great Ideas for any Dad!
Saks Fifth Avenue, 5/22 — Free Shipping + For All He's Done: FATHER'S DAY GIFTS
Bluefly, 5/22 — Have a VERA nice day! [promoting Vera Wang dresses]
Nordstrom, 5/22 — New Party Dresses, Shoes & Clutches for Every Occasion
Costco, 5/22 — Celebrate Achievement
Bass Pro Shops, 5/22 — Open for the Season Fishing Sale at Basspro.com
OfficeMax, 5/22 — Celebrate HP Week - Save Up To $150 Instantly
Bottom of Form
Oriental Trading, 5/22 — Get free shipping on the top theme parties for kids
Blair, 5/22 — Summertime styles starting at $6.99
MLB, 5/22 — Buy a tee or cap, get a second one for 50% off.
Spiegel, 5/22 — 5-Hour Lunchtime Sale: Save up to 40% on Chic Warm-Weather Essentials!
Overstock, 5/22 — HOT WIRELESS SAVINGS - FREE MOTORAZR