Digital Marketing

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens posted March sales of $6 billion, a decrease of 4.3%, compared with the same month in fiscal year 2011.

New York -- More than half of consumers (67%) said they plan to spend the same or more at retailers than they did last year, a nine percentage point increase from last year, according to the 2012 Spring Consumer Pulse Survey by Deloitte. Consumers also feel slightly better about the economy this year than last; 57% of survey respondents said the economy has been recently recovering, compared with 52% last year.

PLESANTON, Calif. — Safeway has partnered with singer/songwriter Avril Lavigne for a new, exclusive video to support its annual Support for People with Disabilities fundraising campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and an array of organizations that help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Co. said Tuesday that Google Offers and Banana Republic are joining with Starbucks and Opportunity Finance Network to support the Create Jobs for USA program.

The pair, which are the first businesses to join Starbucks in the initiative, will run special promotions and make donations in support of the program that is designed to raise money to put Americans back to work.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Consumers have a new incentive to shop at Express, with the launch of Express Next, a new points-based loyalty program open to all Express customers throughout the United States. It replaces the previous loyalty program that was only available to Express Credit Card holders, and is designed to meet the Express shopper's habits both in-store and online, as well as reward brand interaction via social media.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express announced the launch of Express Next, a new points-based loyalty program open to all Express customers throughout the United States. It replaces the previous loyalty program that was only available to Express Credit Card holders, and is designed to meet the Express shopper's habits both in-store and online, as well as reward brand interaction via social media.

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line announced that Gart Capital Partners will invest $10 million in Finish Line’s Running Specialty Group, with the goal of creating the largest operator of specialty running shoe business in the United States.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Parents of "Alvin and the Chipmunks" fans may soon be heading to Walmart to snatch up items from the retailer's exclusive children's line from Fox Consumer Products. The launch of the collection coincided with the Blu-ray and DVD release of "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" in Walmart stores on March 27.

Los Angeles -- Starbucks Coffee Co. has been rated number one in a study of the most socially engaged companies by PhaseOne, a leading analytical-based research firm that helps companies to improve the quality, content and success rate of their marketing communication materials.

Conducted between July 2011 and January 2012, PhaseOne's social media engagement study looked at 75 top brands across six vertical markets and analyzed the social media engagement of more than 20 top brands.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Take a universal story, aim it toward a teen audience and have Kristen Stewart (of "Twilight" fame) as the star, and you have a recipe for a potential blockbuster. That is exactly what it is happening with "Snow White and the Huntsman," which also stars Oscar winner Charlize Theron, and HSN is getting in on the action by partnering with Universal Pictures to offer exclusive collections inspired by the film.