Digital Marketing

Mobile ads and solid user growth across its suite of apps contributed to a strong first quarter for Facebook.   For the quarter ended March 31, revenue rose 49% to $8.03 billion, from $5.38 billion in the same period a year earlier. This surpassed analyst predictions of $7.83 billion. Based on this quarter’s earnings, Facebook has exceeded analyst expectations for eight straight quarters.   

Facebook is proving social media does in fact influence brick-and-mortar sales.   The social media giant offers a feature that enables users to scan a personalized QR code to nab discounts when they buy something at specific brick-and-mortar locations, reported TechCrunch.    The Rewards feature, which is discretely tucked away under the More tab of Facebook’s mobile app, has been in test mode for a few months, according to the report.  

Talk about a clever self-promotion.   Amazon is celebrating the streaming debut of its award-winning movie “Manchester by the Sea” by giving every single home in the small Massachusetts town that provided its setting with a year’s free subscription to Amazon Prime. And as an added bonus, the company is throwing in a three-pack of Wickedly Prime popcorn.   

Following in the footsteps of Warby Parker, Bonobos and the like, another online startup is ready to plant some brick-and-mortar roots.   Brooklyn, New York-based sneaker brand Greats plans to open at least 10 locations over the next two years, according to The New York Business Journal.  

Eighteen year-old online home décor and furnishings brand ATGStores.com has a new name, a new look and a new focus on personalized, one-on-one service.  

Target Corp. is extending its progress to renewable energy and making progress on its goal to have 500 buildings with rooftop solar panels by 2020.   

The National Retail Federation brought added attention to its stance on debit card swipe fee reform at a Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill.    According to the NRF, reform has saved merchants and consumers more than $40 billion -- which is why the association is asking that it be protected.  

Tommy Hilfiger is giving European customers a new way to connect with its brand.    The specialty apparel retailer joined forces with PredictSpring to launch a mobile app targeting the European market. The app will enable consumers in 17 countries to log into their Hilfiger Club loyalty accounts, and receive personalized messages, promotions and event invitations.  

Digital shoppers enthusiasm for buying beauty products online doesn’t translate into retailer loyalty.    While online sellers of beauty and personal care products continue to capture more market share, online shopper loyalty seems to be elusive, according to report by A.T. Kearney.    

Much like 2016, the first quarter of 2017 has seen a slow start to consumer spending. However, just like last year, this is expected to be a temporary setback. Strong consumer confidence and income growth have set the stage for a spending bounce back in the second quarter.