Mobile Marketing

By Jeremy Geiger, Retailigence

The headline is bold, but yes, 2014 is the year of hyperlocal mobile advertising, and there are three very important trends converging today to make this happen. The first is smartphone proliferation; according to eMarketer, smartphone users worldwide will total a record-breaking two billion in 2014. Now billions of people around the world have the devices needed to make hyperlocal ads possible.

Sephora, Express, Art of Shaving and Things Remembered are among the retailers using a new, in-mall mobile retail solution from StepsAway.

As part of its digital strategy, Avon has revamped its website.

"The Avon representative and her social circles have been the core of our business for more than 125 years," says Matt Harker, VP, Avon North America marketing. "The new site and a recently launched social media center help to forge strong connections between the representative and her consumers. We are giving her the tools, training and incentives to be a successful multichannel social seller."

Los Angeles -- Sephora, Express, Art of Shaving and Things Remembered are among the retailers using a new, in-mall mobile retail solution from StepsAway.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. - Kohl’s Department Stores is launching a new omnichannel loyalty program called Yes2You Rewards in stores and online nationwide. The program is designed to offer personalized “incentives and surprises,” as well as points for every in-store and online purchase.

The makers of Jimmy Dean products have launched Sunniest Day of the Year — a one-day campaign advertising the brand’s new lunch and dinner offerings. The Jimmy Dean brand Sun character is traveling across the US and documenting every step of his adventure on social media.

In addition to the robust digital content, the Sunniest Day of the Year also includes a national television advertising integration with a guest appearance by the Sun, the launch of a custom microsite (www.sunniestday.com) to track the cross-country journey and a national consumer sweepstakes.

Denver – In the past two years, the number of shoppers using mobile devices to make purchases has increased by 10 percentage points to 35% in 2014 from 25% in 2012. According to a new study by The Integer Group, increased purchasing by Hispanics, Asian-Americans, and the 15–34 and 35–49 age groups were largely responsible for this increase.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Crock-Pot brand’s Ultimate Crock-Pot Crock-Star contest has kicked off with a twist. The brand hopes to capitalize on America’s selfie obsession.

This year’s nationwide search for the most inspiring slow-cooker superstar requires aspiring “Crock-Stars” to create a one-minute “video selfie” prepping an original recipe with a Crock-Pot Slow Cooker for a chance at “crock-stardom.”