Social Media

Amazon.com has long considered itself a pioneer of social shopping. But now the retailer has introduced a game-changing new service that allows customers to do their own social media marketing.

The new service, called Amazon Giveaway, is a self-service tool designed for Amazon customers who want to use giveaways to grow their social media followings and reward their customers and audience. Features include the ability to require contestants to follow the contest organizer on Twitter to be eligible for a chance to win a prize.

Neiman Marcus is entering the social shopping fray by launching its first ever user-generated content contest on Instagram.

The retailer has said previously it understands the influence user-generated content can have on purchase decisions. That’s why they integrate it into key points in the user journey. Neiman Marcus says it is aiming to create powerful, socialized shopping experiences, online and in-store. 

Petco is leveraging the power of its multichannel capabilities to educate its shoppers about pet nutrition.

The retailer is launching an initiative focused on the importance of proper nutrition for pets.

Framingham, Mass. - Staples Inc. is launching a new brand campaign featuring the “Staples Guy,” who showcases how the company helps small business customers succeed. The new campaign, which features radio, digital and social media, builds on the tagline “Make More Happen” to highlight the value, convenience and services that help Staples customers achieve success in surprising and affordable ways. The national campaign begins Sunday, Feb. 8.

New York -- U.S. retailers seeking to grow business with online shoppers across country borders should look to Canada, according to a report by Borderfree, a provider of international cross-border ecommerce solutions.

Selling toilet paper is a tricky proposition, but a clever campaign from Procter & Gamble looks to drive sales by leveraging the popularity of firefighters to engage with consumers via social media.

The Charmin Relief Project encourages consumers to nominate their local firehouses online or via social media for the chance to receive a year’s supply of toilet paper. Since firehouses serve as a home-away-from-home for many firefighters, Charmin wants to make sure these heroes are fully stocked with one of the most basic comforts of home: toilet paper.

Mississauga, Canada - Staples Advantage Canada, the business-to-business division of Staples, is running its third annual "Messiest Office Contest," with a chance to win an office makeover. Participants can submit pictures of their organizationally challenged work environments through the Staples Advantage Canada website or Staples Advantage Canada Facebook page.  

In an effort to boost its appeal to Latina fashionistas, Macy’s has launched a new collection designed by an international Hispanic superstar.

The retailer’s new, exclusive Thalia Sodi collection includes apparel, shoes and jewelry and is available at 300 Macy's stores nationwide and on macys.com.

Customers who are fans of the wildly popular video game Evolve will love GameStop’s new promotions, both online and in-store.

The video game retailer will be conducting consumer engagement quizzes in-store and online that allow fans to identify the best Evolve hunters or monsters based on their personal play style. Fans who share their results on social media will be eligible to win GameStop gift cards.

Customers can pre-order Evolve and sign up for the promotions in-store or online.

It may be hard to believe (considering its financial troubles), but Sears was the most popular U.S. department store on Facebook during the 2014 holiday shopping season, according to a new study. 

The data also show that Walmart.com was the most popular mass merchant store site.