Mobile Marketing

By Bryon Morrison, president/Wireless Practice, The Marketing Arm

Can you hear that noise? It is the melodious sound of sleigh bells, phones, and cash registers ringing. The holiday shopping season is almost here and strategies incorporating mobile marketing can expand your database, reaffirm customer loyalty, and usher in new multichannel techniques to make the most of this holiday season — but only if you get your plan into action right now.

Holiday marketing strategy and the current environment

Atlanta -- Mobile commerce enabler Firethorn Mobile Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc., and Brookstone announced Brookstone as its latest retail partner for its Swagg mobile application, which provides shoppers with mobile access to purchase digital gift cards. Mobile shoppers also can receive special offers and manage customer loyalty programs through the app. 

By Jay Samit, [email protected]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that it is making it easier for consumers to shop this holiday season with the launch of its holiday shopping site, SamsClub.com/gifts and an enhanced mobile app that together streamline on-the-go and at-home shopping.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Tuesday that it has launched a comprehensive digital media program across its 98 million-sq.-ft. nationwide retail portfolio.

The firm is rolling out The Scoop customer loyalty program, the My Style social media program and new center-specific mobile apps to deliver up-to-the-minute information on fashion trends, retailer promotions and events.

CHICAGO — The third annual Mobile Audit, released Thursday by e-commerce and digital marketing company Acquity Group, found that mobile adoption is on the rise. In fact, the percentage of retailers with a mobile site reached 37% in 2011, up from 12% in 2010 and only 4% in 2009 — a 210% increase over the past year alone.

Fort Worth, Texas -- A holiday social media program has earned RadioShack top honors in a national media award event.

The retailer’s 2010 holiday social media program, supported by imc2 as RadioShack's social media agency, won in its category at the Fifth Annual Forrester Groundswell Awards.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys "R" Us holiday plans mix technology — QR — codes and retro ads that speak to the company’s heritage.

As part of its 2011 holiday advertising campaign, the chain will air a series of themed television commercials designed to showcase the company's toy expertise and its strengths as a specialty retailer. The commercials include two ads from its archives which celebrate the heritage of the brand. Another group of ads feature products exclusive to Toys “R” Us.