Social Media

School may be back in session, but the back-to-school (BTS) shopping frenzy continues.    And as parents continue to purchase merchandise from newly distributed classroom supply lists, 42% of BTS shoppers expect to spend more this school year compared to 2016, according to new research and insights from Acosta, a sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail merchandising industry.  

Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Co. has launched fundraisers at its properties in Texas to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey. Proceeds will be distributed via United Way, which is waiving all general and administrative fees in the arrangement with Trademark.   Tenants, financial partners, customers, and the community are being engaged in events, and Trademark has pledged to match up to $150,000 in donations. Miller Capital Advisory has pledged a matching donation total of $50,000 for fund collected at La Palmer in Corpus Christi. 

Social media plays a huge role — bigger than pricing — when it comes to influencing the purchase decisions of Generation Z.   

Facebook is helping retailers bring their catalogs to life.   The social media giant introduced a new ad format that enables brands to distribute catalogs through mobile devices. Called "lifestyle templates,” the new format replicates the look of a print catalog, and also allows customers to make a purchase items directly through the Facebook ad, according to Business Insider.   

Target Corp. is launching an array of private brands and the discounter is giving them a big kickoff.   The discounter will launch an aggressive marketing campaign for the new labels, AdAge reported, including everything from print and television spots to in-store events and visual merchandising.      

Disney's marketing firepower will be on full display starting at  12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, when it launches a global merchandise promotion — complete with augmented reality — of toys and products inspired by its upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."  

Victoria's Secret loss is American Eagle Outfitters’ gain as the teen apparel retailer posted better-than-expected second quarter results, fueled by strong demand for its Aerie lingerie brand.   Net income fell to $21.2 million, or 12 cents per share, in the quarter ended July 29, from $41.6 million, or 23 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding restructuring and related charges of $0.07 per diluted share, the company’s adjusted EPS was $0.19 for the quarter, above analysts' estimates.  

Retail marketers take heed: Facebook's appeal is fading among teens even as two other platforms continue to pick up momentum.