Digital Marketing

A lot has changed in the past year on the social media block. Facebook and Twitter are no longer the only two major players helping retailers connect and engage with their shoppers in real time. Consumers are flocking to platforms such as social-photo sharing sites Pinterest and Instagram, and some brands are even creating their own social blog accounts on Tumblr.

The Annual State of the Industry Report is the centerpiece of this issue of Chain Store Age, and it’s a great read. It’s also very timely.

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Palo Alto, Calif. -- Shopkick, a shopping application that rewards shoppers for walking into stores and interacting with products, has teamed up with CVS/pharmacy to roll out a first-ever offering of walk-in and other rewards at a retail pharmacy, Shopkick announced on Tuesday.

The program kicks off with a special offer, kicking $5 back to shoppers who visit participating CVS/pharmacy locations with the Shopkick app. 

    

Network television is rife with talent shows, and now Whole Foods has jumped on the bandwagon with a unique brand engagement initiative.

BURLINGTON, ON — Ikea Canada has given its 2013 catalog an interactive makeover. When holding a smartphone or tablet over a page, users are able to access films about Ikea products, experience 3D models, look behind closed doors with an x-ray function or change the curtains and get creative. To access the bonus material, users must download the Ikea App to smartphones or tablets.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Lest anyone think Walmart would miss out on the opportunity to cash in on the "Hunger Games" phenomenon, the company has followed suit with Target and Toys"R"Us in offering a unique experience for fans.

PLANO, Texas — PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America has launched of a gluten-free recipe section on its corporate website (www.fritolay.com) to help make snacking easier and more enjoyable for consumers with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivities. The new recipe section on the company's website now features gluten free recipes that can be paired or made with Frito-Lay's gluten free snacks, such as Lay's Classic potato chips, Fritos Original corn chips and Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips.

Burlington, Ontario, Canada -- IKEA Canada announced Monday that its new catalog, debuting Aug. 13, has incorporated a host of interactive elements designed for smartphones and tablets.

When holding a smartphone or tablet over a page, users are able to access films about IKEA products, experience 3D models, look behind closed doors with an X-ray function or change curtains and get creative.

Users will access the bonus material by downloading the IKEA app to smartphones or tablets, or by visiting www.IKEA.ca.

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Market has launched a month-long contest asking customers to share their “Best Road Trip. Ever!” through photos, videos and essays on Albertsons Markets’ Facebook fan page for a chance to win a new car.