Digital Marketing

Aussie apparel brand Cotton On is as much about fun-fashion as it is about fast-fashion. The Geelong, Victoria-based brand operates more stores in the United States (124) than Zara and Uniqlo combined, and is an international behemoth with more than 1,300 stores operating globally under 10 different banners, including the 522-unit Cotton On, Cotton Body, Cotton On Kids, FREE by Cotton On and Rubi Shoes.

Growth has been fast and strategic, but peppered with humor, optimism and the occasional dose of controversy.

Seattle -- Social shopping, e-commerce videos, free shipping and in-store pickup rank among the top trends expected to drive holiday sales for online retailers, according to Blueocean Market Intelligence, a global analytics and insights provider.

A global report by Capgemini, a leading provider of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, claims that consumers consider social media a less important part of their customer journey — from awareness, through to post-sale activity — compared to two years ago.

Milford, Conn. – Subway Restaurants is partnering with Diet Coke in a new omnichannel promotion with a grand prize of meeting pop singer Taylor Swift in person. The #MeetTaylor contest, which runs Oct. 1 – Nov. 15, includes restaurant, social, online, TV and radio promotions.

Limited-edition Diet Coke cups will feature Swift’s likeness and also will carry specially-marked codes for a chance to win, daily in October, a meet and greet opportunity with Taylor Swift on her 2015 concert tour.

Retailers should take advantage of the constant availability of data created by near-ubiquitous mobile penetration among consumers, advised Michael Olmstead, director, Plug and Play Retail, a Silicon Valley-based global start-up accelerator and investor.

“Our generation has a constant in-flow of information, much of which we receive on our mobile electronics,” said Olmstead.

Meijer has launched a first-of-its-kind food solutions program in each of its 213 stores. According to the retailer, “Ready! For You” is designed to meet the tastes and lifestyles of busy families by providing recipe ideas, inspiration and savings opportunities in-store and online.

Rack Room Shoes builds mobile loyalty program from ground up

Global confectionery, food and beverage conglomerate Mondelez International has promoted Dana Anderson to SVP and chief marketing officer.

Anderson will be accountable for the company's global portfolio of advertising, media and marketing partners and oversee the teams responsible for agency relations, brand equity, brand strategy, marketing capabilities, media and digital for the company's global and regional power brands.