Digital Marketing

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is reportedly testing a solution that automatically recommends sponsored videos to Web users based on the content they are reading. According to Advertising Age, Target is piloting the Kargo Kapsule application, which recommends sponsored videos that relate to the content displayed on a consumer’s Web screen.

San Diego – Engaging consumers online seems like it should be easy – after all, virtually every consumer is actively online and using multiple social media platforms at this point. However, this also means that all of your competitors are also trying to engage the public across multiple online and social channels, resulting in a huge morass of digital noise. To stand out, retailers need to ensure their digital engagement strategy is consistent, timely and personalized.

Now that the smoke has cleared from the initial release of the Apple Watch, retailers can take a more objective look at how this latest innovation in wearable technology might disrupt customer engagement and the overall customer experience. Here are three thoughts on how Apple Watch could shift the retail landscape.

Small Screen, Big Challenge/Opportunity

Beijing, China -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. unveiled plans to countermand slowed growth in China with 115 new stores in the country by 2017 and creating some 30,000 jobs. The announcement adds about 35 new stores to the retailer’s building plans as Wal-Mart previously targeted 480 total stores in China by 2016, up from around 400 now.

CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement that "China is a key strategic market for Walmart. Over the next three years we will increase investment across our diverse business operations in China.”

On the heels of Amazon’s B2B move, Staples is launching a marketing campaign to lure more small business customers. Staples says it will offer 40% off large posters, banners and lawn signs, and 50% off custom invitations and announcements through June 27.

Jared jewelers has launched a digital promotion designed to drive traffic to its stores this Mother’s Day.

The retailer says it is celebrating all moms this Mother's Day with the launch of the "Win One, Give One" Mother's Day Sweepstakes. Fans will have the chance to treat mom and themselves by entering online to win beautiful jewelry and a $100 Jared gift card, from now until May 3.

By Sherrie Mersdorf, director of marketing, NewBrand

New York – Consumers might be a little nicer to Mom this year than last year. IBISWorld expects total Mother’s Day spending to reach $20.8 billion, representing an increase of 2% from 2014 spending, and an annualized increase of 6.5% since 2010.

Average household spending on Mother’s Day is also set to grow, with the standard family shelling out an estimated $169.21, representing a 4% increase from the 2014 average.

Wayne, N.J. – If Darth Vader scared you, then you’ll probably want to check out the new online “Star War”s hub that Toys “R” Us Inc. is launching as part of a year-long omnichannel promotion tied to the classic movie franchise, which returns with a new film in December. The hub will showcase video content, event information and more in the coming months.

Leading specialty retailer Petco has expanded home delivery with Instacart.