Media Advertising

Protests by organized labor failed to materialize in a meaningful way at Walmart stores over the weekend and the retailer went on to achieve record results.

Sears Holdings is looking to replicate the success it had with digital initiatives in 2011 by turning to the same firm that helped it deliver results.

For the second year in a row, Billups Design was selected to lead digital creative for Sears and Kmart Black Friday and holiday ecommerce dynamic ad campaigns. The project includes Sears and Kmart brand awareness ads, local ad business groups, and site retargeting ads with dynamic product feeds designed to increase ecommerce sales, according to Billups.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Social media will influence how people plan to shop this holiday season nearly as much as word-of-mouth and store advertisements, according to a survey conducted by ConsumerSearch.com, part of the About Group.

Charleston, S.C. -- A shopping forecast released Tuesday by America’s Research Group found that 31.8% of U.S. consumers said they will shop Black Friday Weekend in search of big-ticket items. But the biggest boost will be in the five days before Christmas when more Americans than in the last seven years say they will shop.

New York – Gap is feeling the love this holiday season.

New York -- Target plans to open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to kick of its Black Friday promotional efforts and will follow up with additional deals that become available at 4 a.m.

The company is also rewarding its REDcard holders by allowing them early access to select Black Friday sale items at Target.com.

DALLAS — Zale Corp. has partnered with Shaquille O'Neal for a new, exclusive collection of men’s jewelry.

The Shaquille O’Neal Collection will offer a variety of men’s pendants, rings and bracelets. The collection will be offered exclusively in select Zale stores throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and online at Zales.com/shaq, just in time for holiday gift giving.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods Group reported that new product sales, increased advertising investment and improved productivity have contributed to profit gains for the quarter ended Sept. 30.

Chicago -- OfficeMax announced that it has appointed Kim Feil as executive VP and chief marketing and strategy officer, effective Nov. 12.

Feil will have accountability for all aspects of marketing across the enterprise, with particular emphasis on brand management and evolution of the company's traditional marketing vehicles to new media including digital and social.

Most recently, Feil served as chief marketing officer and corporate VP for Walgreens.

Target added to its roster of action sports athletes recently with the signing of Canadian freeskier Rosalind Groenewoud.

According to Target, she is affectionately recognized by many simply as Roz G and is known for her amplitude and large variety of tricks. Widely considered to be one of the most influential halfpipe skiers in the world she joins eight other elite action sports athletes representing Target.