Digital Marketing

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.

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.

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

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.

Sam’s Club’s MasterCard 5-3-1 Cash Back program, which has created keen customer engagement and memorable customer experiences since it launched less than a year ago, has won more awards.

The program, featuring a co-branded MasterCard including chip-enabled technology issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated, won a silver award in the Customer Experience & Engagement category; a bronze award in the Creative Campaign category and a silver in the 360 Degree Loyalty Award for Excellence in North America.

JCPenney Company Inc. has named one of its board members as its next EVP and chief marketing officer.

The company said that Mary Beth West, a highly accomplished consumer marketing executive, will join the company's executive leadership team as executive vice president and chief customer and marketing officer effective June 1. She will be stepping down from her position on its Board of Directors to assume this new role.

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.