Marketing Tactics

Sunnyvale, Calif. – David’s Cookies competes in a crowded marketplace and even encounters issues resulting from its own brand fragmentation. Trying to locate and convert leads around the world is understandably a huge marketing expense typically involving lots of time and travel. But since implementing the Ariba Discovery trading platform last year, David’s Cookies has found dozens of new clients with much less time, travel and expense.

CHICAGO — Social media powerhouse Facebook is trying go beyond baby photos and cat memes by further integrating commerce into its current platform.

While many large and small retailers already use Facebook's platform to market their wares and enhance their brand awareness, no one has set up shop on the site until now.

The MillerCoors company is giving away a 2013 Ford Fusion SE as part of an innovative Facebook campaign targeting NASCAR fans to promote responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Atlanta - Spanx, the fast-growing dollar undergarment and apparel company, will open a custom designed, expanded company headquarters and a flagship store in Buckhead Atlanta, a major mixed-use project in the heart of the area’s business district. (The project, now under construction, was initially called Streets of Buckhead.)

The headquarters will occupy three floors, a rooftop garden terrace and additional balconies. Spanx is anticipated to move in November 2014.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - Sears Holdings on Friday joined the growing list of retailers and other companies severing ties with Southern celebrity chef Paula Deen in the wake of the controversy regarding her use of a racial slur. Both Sears and Kmart sold Paula Deen products.

“After careful consideration of all available information, we have made the decision to phase out all products tied to the brand,” Sears said in a statement. “We will continue to evaluate the situation. Our members’ needs will be given first priority.’

Dramatic growth and purchasing power of U.S. Latino population demands retailer attention

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — When one thinks of space exploration and space travel, Paypal is hardly the first thing that comes to mind. But the eBay company is spearheading an initiative that is paving the way for space commerce.

With the help of the SETI Institute and the Space Tourism Society, PayPal Galactic aims to make universal space payments a reality. Paypal president David Marcus was joined by astronaut and author Buzz Aldrin to announce the initiative’s launch. 

Easley, N.C. -- The new 138,000-sq.-ft. Sam’s Club in Easley Town Center Easley, N.C., celebrated its grand opening on June 27. Mayor Bagwell and Chamber of Commerce president Cindy Hopkins attended.

As part of the continuing celebration, University of South Carolina running back George Rogers will sign autographs on June 29.