Loyalty Marketing

More Americans now say they are loosening the purse strings in advance of the holiday season, and fewer say they are tightening their belts, according to a recent Citi national survey.

Only 35% said they would be spending less than last year, reflecting the lowest level of holiday budget cutbacks since the financial crisis. As many as 63% of Americans plan to spend more (11%) or the same (52%) on holiday shopping this year.

Duane Reade launched a “Show Us Your Party Legs” holiday photo contest on Facebook. The contest is a omnichannel social media marketing campaign that aims to raise awareness of Duane Reade-brand hosiery products that will run through Jan. 4.

New York -- Duane Reade, a division of Walgreens, on Friday at midnight launched a holiday photo contest on Facebook. The “Show Us Your Party Legs”  promotion  is a three week, omnichannel social media marketing campaign to raise awareness of Duane Reade-brand hosiery products. It will run through Jan. 4.

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts has launched its “HoliDDay Fashions” contest, inviting people to post photos of themselves in their holiday clothing and costumes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Beginning Dec. 12 and continuing through Dec. 18, customers can submit their photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the special hashtag #HoliDDayFashions.

On Dec. 20, Dunkin' Donuts will announce a total of five winners to receive a prize pack. No purchase is required.

New York -- Amazon.com is the most popular U.S. online retail site when it comes to having web content shared on Pinterest, the pin-board style social network, in the run up to Christmas 2013. The findings come from a study by digital marketing software and services specialist Searchmetrics.

In a study of ten top U.S. retail sites, images and pages from Amazon.com are being shared most frequently on Pinterest, with Walmart and Apple taking second and third positions respectively.

Walmart declared an early Black Friday victory and reported record Cyber Monday sales, but the big box retailer is not done yet. Starting at 8 a.m. Friday, it is launching its Christmas Countdown Savings Event and dropping prices on popular toys, electronics, apparel and table games.

With only 12 days to shop before Christmas, the strategy aims to drive last-minute shoppers to both its stores and e-commerce site.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems, a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced its retail services business, which manages more than 120 private label and co-brand credit programs, has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services for home decor and lifestyle retailer Z Gallerie.

The specialty retailer operates 58 stores located in 19 states, featuring an eclectic mix of upscale home furnishings and accessories.

New York – Barnes & Noble is offering free shipping on any Nook e-reader device purchased online by 11 a.m. ET on Dec.23, with delivery guaranteed by Dec. 24. In addition, Barnes & Noble loyalty members get free express shipping on orders placed online by Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. ET, with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24.