Loyalty Marketing

Phoenix – PetSmart is allowing customers to virtually try Halloween costumes on their pets via Facebook. PetSmart’s “Spooktacular Costume Machine” on Facebook lets customers upload a photo of their pet and virtually try on 10 different costumes, add props and text, and share a photo through email, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

After creating a costume, coupons are available to print, including $2 off any PetSmart costume purchase and buy-one, get-one treat coupons. The promotion begins Sept. 16.

Woonsocket, R.I. – CVS/pharmacy is offering members of its ExtraCare loyalty program double their ExtraBucks quarterly reward earnings between Sept. 16 and Dec. 15. Members can sign up for double earnings in-store or online and receive 4% instead of the usual 2% back on all eligible front-store purchases in the form of “ExtraBucks” that can be spent like cash in the store.

Online retailer 6pm.com turns six years on Sept. 6, and to mark the day, the brand is giving its loyal customers a reason to celebrate.

During the birthday celebration on Sept. 6, customers everywhere will be able to shop special deals and play party games for the chance to win prizes. 

New York -- Although back-to-school sales were unexpectedly sluggish, retail sales for the month of August benefited from a late boost in store traffic.

Of the retailers still reporting monthly sales – most so far are reporting slight increases in August same-store sales. Retail Metrics forecast an overall August gain of 3.2% year-over-year; retail sales advanced 3.3% during the same period last year.

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported a same-store sales rise of 4% in August, surpassing a forecast 3.8% gain.

CINCINNATI — Pantene has selected current CoverGirl spokesperson Queen Latifah as its brand ambassador, supporting the Truly Relaxed and Truly Natural collections.

BOSTON — Shoebuy.com, a leading global online retailer of shoes and clothing, has expanded its marketing leadership team with the appointments of Heather Adams as SVP of marketing and Kavita Baball as SVP of customer experience and retention. 

Austin, Texas – U.S. consumers are dramatically increasing their usage of online and mobile coupons. According to the latest Shoppers Trend Report from RetailMeNot and The Omnibus Company, while printable coupons remain the most widely used type of coupon (60%), online coupon usage has nearly doubled (29% compared to 16% three years ago) and mobile coupon usage has nearly tripled in the past three years (10% compared to 4% three years ago).

Ninety-two percent of consumers use some type of coupon. Other notable findings include:

DALLAS — 7-Eleven stores have introduced a Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll, the retailer's first warm bakery offering and the first Pillsbury-branded fresh-bakery item with a convenience retailer.

Available with hot foods as well as in the fresh bakery case at participating stores, 7-Eleven's sweetly spiced will be available for purchase for $1.69 each.