Mobile Marketing

Chicago -- Survey results released Tuesday by BDO USA revealed that 51% of retail finance chiefs foresee a 5.9% increase in online sales for full-year 2012.

That compares to 4.1% and 4.5% expected increases in same-store sales and total sales, respectively.

The BDO Retail Compass Survey of CFOs, which examined the opinions of 100 CFOs at leading retailers located throughout the country, found that CFO sentiments were conservative compared to last year, when the respondents predicted 11.9% online sales growth.

New York -- Research released Monday by Citigroup and published by Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch found that digital sales for the holiday 2012 shopping season are expected to increase at least 20%, thanks to two additional shopping days and amped-up retail marketing efforts.

By Jeannie Lewis, [email protected], @dot jeannie

CHICAGO — Beverage maker Phusion Projects has named Grammy Award winning musician T-Pain as a partner in the Moskato Life brand.

Minneapolis -- Contradicting claims that showrooming undermines retail sales, new survey results from loyalty management company Aimia revealed that showroomers exhibit more loyal behavior than non-showroomers, making them an ideal target for retailers.

Retail showroomers, who browse for items in-store before using their smart phones to find a lower price online, were also found to be active participants in loyalty and reward programs, according to the "Through the Looking Glass" retail brief released on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods said Thursday it has launched a new mobile application for iPhone and Android smartphones.

The new app gives users access to Dick’s ScoreCard rewards program, along with location services, social networking and mobile shopping capabilities. It also features built-in barcode scanner functionality, allowing shoppers to scan product and marketing QR codes in-store and access information including product description, news, price and user reviews.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target customers who receive the retailer's mobile coupons can now access them on their iPhone or iPod touch via Passbook.

“We’re thrilled to bring our guests the ability to use Target mobile coupons via Passbook on their iPhone and iPod touch,” said Phil McKoy, VP Target.com and mobile experience. “Passbook marks an exciting step forward as Target continues to seek the most innovative ways to deliver a great shopping experience to our guests.”

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Regional supermarket chain Big Y is catering to customers' bundles of joy with the launch of a new loyalty program.