Social Media

Publix Super Markets is expanding its online outreach by launching the company’s first blog for engaging with customers.   The blog, called Publix Checkout, was created with the customer in mind, the company says. Blog posts will range in topic from recipes, community initiatives and sustainability ideas to holiday entertaining, health and wellness and more. Visitors to the blog can comment on posts or share them on social media sites.  

Instant delivery. Athleisure wear. Rented and used clothing.    These are among the five trends identified by consumer financial services company Synchrony Financial as impacting both the retail and mobile payments space.   Here’s a review of what Synchrony says consumers are especially interested in:  

Papa John’s is the most recognized brand among fans of the National Football League and the chain intends to keep it that way, announcing it had renewed its multiyear deal as the official pizza sponsor of the NFL and the Super Bowl.   In that regard, Papa John’s is permitted to use NFL logos in its advertising and conduct integrated marketing campaigns involving the NFL Kickoff event and the Pro Bowl in addition to the Super Bowl.   

Consumers are putting their best foot forward when it comes to spending.

The Mid-America Real Estate Group announced the hiring of Ashlee Yenney as its corporate marketing director. She will be responsible for marketing and public relations efforts across company offices in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.  

Sephora continues to innovate to drive mobile growth.   The retailer announced it is deploying two new interactive tools as part of a campaign to relaunch its private-label brand, Sephora Collection.  

A familiar chain has been named the most powerful retail brand of 2016.   According to the 2016 Top 100 Most Powerful Brands report from brand marketing firm Tenet Partners, Barnes & Nobile is the most powerful retail brand, and 32nd most powerful brand overall, of the year. This is the second straight year Barnes & Noble ranked highest among retailers.  

Hesitating to offer back-to-school deals could result in significant loss of potential sales.