Digital Marketing

At least one retail analyst saw Target’s Black Friday in July promotion last week as an exercise in creative marketing and evidence that even bigger things could be coming this fall when the retailer ends a relationship with Amazon and brings its online efforts in-house.

Citigroup retail analyst Deb Weinswig said the Black Friday promotion “should also help to reinforce Target as a destination for deals and value ahead of the up-coming back-to-school and holiday seasons.”

ATLANTA — In her new role, Lewis will oversee integrated marketing communications, multicultural marketing and consumer and shopper insights, according to reports.

Alison Lewis will become Coca-Cola's SVP marketing, replacing Beatriz Perez, who was promoted to chief sustainability officer at the company in May.

In her new role, Lewis will oversee integrated marketing communications, multicultural marketing and consumer and shopper insights, according to reports.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In an effort to spread awareness about the abundance of food products made in Michigan, and to help stimulate the state's economy, Michigan-based Spartan Stores announced that it has kicked off its expanded "Michigan's Best" campaign in its 97 D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Glen's Markets, and VG's, as well as 250 independent grocery stores. According to the company, more than 3,000 Michigan-made products will carry the eye-catching Michigan's Best label to help consumers quickly identify Michigan made products.

Addison, Texas — Coyote Management, L.P. said that Jennifer Hillard will join Coyote Management starting July 18 as the new marketing director at the1.2-million-sq.-ft. Chapel Hills Mall, located in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Hillard was previously field communications manager/field trafficking manager at General Growth Properties, Chicago.     

New York  — Parago, the nation’s largest rebate provider, has announced the launch of GoRebate Mobile, the first mobile shopping applications for iPhone and Android focused on rebates that allow marketers to deliver rebates directly into the hands of value-seeking consumers.  

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource announced that Sierra Kusterbeck, lead singer of alt-rock band VersaEmerge, will be the face and voice of the retailer's new, exclusive teen brand, Brash.

MCKINNEY, Texas — Blockbuster is taking advantage of recent pricing changes at Netflix to lure customers over to its Total Access service. 

The company is offering Netflix customers who switch to one of Blockbuster's two most popular Total Access plans a 30-day free trial. After the free trial, customers will continue to receive Total Access for a new everyday price of only $9.99 per month for "1 Disc" at a time or $14.99 per month for "2 Discs" at a time, the company reported.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Wednesday launched a new website in support of its Comforts line of baby products, the grocer announced. 

ComfortsForBaby.com will enable busy moms to access and exchange ideas online, offering a community where mothers can share their insights and experiences parenting newborns, infants and toddlers. The website is available in English and Spanish, with the Hispanic microsite designed specifically to engage Latina moms. 

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B announced that Jennette McCurdy, co-star of Nickelodeon’s "iCarly," will star in its new "Gear Up for Back-to-School" ad campaign. The campaign launched Wednesday and runs through Aug. 31 in Texas.

MINNEAPOLIS — Free Standing Insert coupon activity dropped 3.9% over the first six months of 2011 versus the same time period a year ago, Marx, a Kantar Media solution, reported on Wednesday. 

The decline is the first reported in the first half of the year since 2008, when there was a 3.4% decline. 

“After several years of significant growth, FSI coupon activity may be stabilizing while more integrated print and digital coupon promotion tactics are emerging,” stated Mark Nesbitt, president of Kantar Media Intelligence North America.