Walgreens unveils Black Friday mobile coupons
Drug Store News    Share   
Walgreens added scannable coupons to its mobile applications, with exclusive discounts to its smartphone customers, beginning on Black Friday. Coupons will range in value from 50 cents to $5 and will be good toward a variety of products. Scannable coupons provide optimal convenience with no clipping or printing required. Cashiers simply scan a coupon straight from a user's smartphone. More



Southwest Airlines launches rapid rewards shopping
MediaPost News    Share   
Southwest Airlines is launching a rewards shopping program that allows members to earn points by redeeming exclusive offers from hundreds of participating retailers. Rapid Reward Shopping, powered by Cartera Commerce, marks the first time the airline is offering its frequent fliers the opportunity to earn points for online shopping. More

No place like home for Dunkin' Donuts coffee this holiday season
RestaurantNews.com    Share   
There is now truly no place like home for the holidays for coffee lovers, as Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, unwrapped holiday offers that make it easy and affordable to enjoy the perfect cup of America's Favorite Coffee at home this holiday season. To show appreciation for Dunkin' Donuts fans during this season of giving, the company launched the "Great HoliDDay Giveaway" on Facebook, a daily sweepstakes with the chance to win a Dunkin' Donuts home brewing package featuring everything fans need to enjoy their Dunkin' Donuts coffee at home. More

Social Media + Charity Promotions: A Primer Does your 2012 marketing plan involve promotions tied to a charitable cause? Commercial Co-Ventures (CCV) that integrate promotions with a charity are an effective way to drive brand engagement while raising awareness and funds for a worthy cause. However, what does it mean to be fully compliant with regulatory requirements? What are the strategies with social media? Click here for an overview from Gage Marketing. more

'X Factor' fans to get input in Pepsi-sponsored performance
MediaPost News    Share   
In the latest twist in Pepsi's massive sponsorship of "The X Factor," fans will have the opportunity to influence some aspects of an ensemble performance by the finalists on a "live results" show. From Nov. 16-18, fans can vote on Pepsi's Facebook page or site, to help select songs, wardrobe style, dance style and special effects for the "Pepsi Choice Performance" during the Nov. 23 show. More

12 marketing predictions for 2012
MarketingProfs    Share   
In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype; Facebook's and Twitter's advertising platforms gained momentum; Google joined the social networking party with Google+; social became a mainstream component within search-engine results pages; and Congress called for increased disclosure by companies providing location-based services. As 2012 follows on the heels of such events, what digital changes and trends should forward-thinking marketers anticipate? Here are Optify's Top 12 predictions for the year ahead. More

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Heinz turns Facebook Flub into engagement flurry
ClickZ    Share   
Heinz has increased its Facebook likes by 40,000 since recently telling the New York Times that it would exclusively sell a new product for a limited time on the social site. For social media marketers, it seemed like a brilliant play. But then a major hiccup ensued earlier. When Heinz Tomato Ketchup Blended with Balsamic Vinegar became purchasable on Heinz's Facebook page, the e-commerce app malfunctioned and didn't work until 9 p.m. Many consumers complained on the page about the glitch, so Heinz had to scramble. Read more

LivingSocial goes national with Black Friday deals
USA Today    Share   
Here's one way to avoid getting trampled by bargain-hunting hordes knocking down store doors on Black Friday: Online deals service LivingSocial is unveiling a slew of bargains for the holidays that are just a couple of mouse clicks away. More

Recognize sampling's increased social value! Considering product sampling for 2012? Plan to play using “New Rules” (apologies to Mr. Maher) required in our era of enhanced social communication? Today’s samples act not only to generate trial but also as valued and appreciated opportunities to get people talking. Check out this recent article in Promo Magazine article link

DDB, AB InBev end global ad contract
Ad Age    Share   
DDB has terminated its global contract with Anheuser-Busch InBev, freeing the agency to pursue other beer brands. The move — which applies to Budweiser and Bud Light — is largely a procedural one, because the Omnicom Group agency was recently cut from the Bud Light review and has not been working on Budweiser in the U.S. for many months. But by terminating the deal, DDB rids itself from conflict-of-interest restrictions that prohibited it from pursuing other beer work. More

The brand as broadcaster
MarketingWeek    Share   
It is no longer just broadcasters creating online video content, and there are increasing opportunities for advertisers to engage consumers in the space. More

Social mediation: Managing multiple platforms
Social Media Today    Share   
A year ago there was only one platform required to stay in the social loop, but as of lately users have increased the amount of networks that they are a part of. Users are dealing with new challenges that they have never experienced before, such as where to post what without seeming repetitive. Since issues like this have begun to arise, we are learning to become 'social mediators.' More

Wal-Mart, Apple, others roll out apps for holiday shoppers
USA Today    Share   
Technophiles rejoice: Retailers are unwrapping an array of digital offerings for the tablet and smartphone-tethered holiday shopper. Wal-Mart will announce its latest initiatives, including an enhanced iPhone app that allows users to add shopping list items by speaking, typing or scanning bar codes. It also provides the price, local store availability and, in select markets, aisle location of those items. Apple unveiled new app features. One lets users buy products through the app and pick them up at any Apple Store. More

Retailers woo the 'mission shoppers'
Bloomberg Businessweek    Share   
Americans don't shop the way they used to. It's not only that they're going to the mall less often. Consumers in this post-recession era are also less likely to stick around and browse after they walk into a store. Marketing pros say that shoppers tend to come armed with oodles of Web research on brands and prices. They buy, then leave. No browsing. No impulse buys. More

Embedding Social Media Into The Marketing Mix Social media is embedded in every aspect of the customer journey - from ratings and reviews to "like" buttons and tweets. The opportunity for marketing has evolved from building individual social applications to using social media to enhance a variety of channels. Download the Forrester Whitepaper

2012 PMA REGGIE Awards call-for-entries — enter today
PMA News    Share   
Is this your moment? Click here to start your entries today. The PMA REGGIE Awards are the most prestigious awards in the promotion and integrated marketing industry, given only to those campaigns that "make the register ring." Click to signup for a free How to Win a REGGIE Webinar from 2-3 p.m. EST Dec. 7, and get inside tips from our judges. New this year: Pro Bono category (free to PMA members), tips and notes from the judges, feedback from the judges on your campaigns (PMA members only), and a streamlined entry system. Visit pmalink.org/reggieawards for all the details. Need help? Call or email Ben Samet bsamet@pmalink.org, 212-340-0093.