Social Media

Barnes & Noble Inc. is embarking on a social media-based campaign to inspire more customers to read and promote its Nook e-reader.

The Nook Reading Challenge is a social media-based reading challenge with the goal of inspiring participants to read more and interact with their friends and the book community about what they’re currently reading, the company said.

To participate in the challenge, readers have to commit on their Facebook page to read one or more books between Jan. 24 (National Readathon Day) and Feb. 28 using the hashtag #NOOKReadingChallenge.

New York -- Target Corp. is launching a brand new plus-size line, Ava & Viv, which will be sold both online and in stores starting on Feb. 22.

While this is not Target's first foray into plus-size fashion, the news does signify a new direction for the store. Not only does Ava & Viv boast a broad range of sizes, it was also created with great style in mind, something that previously seemed like less of a priority for the brand.

Target may have ruffled some feathers in the past with what some considered a lack of plus-size offerings. But the retailer seems to be making up for it now.

Target says it is launching a brand new plus-size line, Ava & Viv, which will be sold both online and in stores starting on Feb. 22.

Wayne, N.J. – The “Island of Misfit Toys” from the legendary Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer holiday special has nothing on Toys “R” Us. Toys "R" Us is running its 10th annual "Great Trade-In" event that lets customers exchange potentially unsafe, old and second-hand cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers and other items in exchange for savings on a new item.

Irving, Texas – Chuck E. Cheese’s is running a dance-themed omnichannel promotion featuringYouTube stars Shaniah Jones and D’Squared Live. Kids can win free tickets by learning to “do the Chuck E.,” an original dance, at Chuck E. Cheese’s locations.

By Jim Singer, A.T. Kearney, and Ryan Mathews, Black Monk Consulting

Whole Foods Market plans to cater to the health-focused community of obstacle racers with a new omnichannel partnership.

The natural and organic foods supermarket will connect with consumers via Spartan Race’s “Food of the Day” platform, beginning in 2015. Spartan Race is an obstacle racing company that facilitated over 130 races in 17 countries last year.

Walgreens is launching a new national campaign highlighting how people are aging well beyond their HIV diagnosis.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a traveling art exhibit, curated in collaboration with the Graying of AIDS, an independent documentary project and educational campaign.

The exhibit provides a glimpse into the lives of older adults living with HIV and will make its first stop in Miami on Jan. 17.

From Valentine’s Day to Christmas, the year is filled with big moments for retailers – but a retailer’s strategy should be much more than a numbers game during these times. Rather, these moments present an opportunity to build momentum for the entire year with a 360-degree brand strategy that gives shoppers an unforgettable experience that will keep them coming back.

To maximize the potential benefits of big retail moments throughout 2015, keep these five pillars in mind:

Helping small business owners and consumers achieve peak performance is the premise behind a new branding initiative at Office Depot called, “Gear Up For Great.”