Packaging

The world’s largest social network has updated its policies regarding branded content and, in so doing, given retailers a new marketing tool.

Facebook is now allowing retailers and other marketers to work with media companies, celebrities and other key “influencers” to place certain types of branded content on its platform.

No, Trader Joe’s is not closing, and GrubHub is not launching a new ride share service called “Gruber.”

These are just two of the many fake news announcements circulating this April 1, a day traditionally dedicated to pranks and jokes. The retail-related April Fools hoax that by far has gotten the most attention, a false report that organic grocer Trader Joe’s would shutter all stores and discontinue all branded products by 2017, was actually released March 31.

American Eagle Outfitters is launching another viral marketing campaign, this time with a funny focus on the fight against the body shaming of men.

The retailer is kicking off its #AerieMAN campaign, featuring a mix of quirky male characters of different sizes and personalities sharing "real life" stories in their skivvies. American Eagle's Skinny Skinny Jean and American Beagle Outfitters campaigns were huge successes in 2013 and 2014. Now the brand is focused on raising awareness around body diversity.

Ikea has formed an unprecedented partnership with fashion designers to launch new limited edition collections in Canada.

Between April and September, Ikea will be launching three new collections created in collaboration with fashion designers from across Europe. The move marks the first time that Ikea has teamed up with fashion designers to create collections that respond directly to current trends and fuse various influences to give customers cutting-edge design at affordable prices.

Walgreens on Monday announced its returns as the exclusive retail partner of the second annual Red Nose Day, helping raise funds to fight kids' poverty. The campaign's iconic Red Noses - which people wear in support of the official Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 26 - returned to store shelves at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide this morning, officially kick starting the nine-week charitable campaign.

Leveraging its status as a leading lingerie retailer, Victoria’s Secret has released the 2016 edition of its “What is Sexy?” list compiled with social media input to support the launch of several new product lines.

Target Corp.’s partnership with MIT Media Lab and global design firm IDEO is bearing fruit — literally.

In January, Target announced the launch of the Food + Future coLab, a multi-year collaboration with MIT and IDEO to explore the future of food. Although it’s only been a couple of months, Target is already testing two ideas from the coli.