Social Media

By Hyaat Chaudhary, CEO, Carbon Media Group

At a time when the traditional separation between online and brick-and-mortar retailers is blurring, brands need to be smarter to win on the digital front. The ability to establish a presence online — and to capitalize on digital marketing and promotions driven by social media and other online tools — is no longer a luxury: it is a necessity.

Ace Hardware is taking an omnichannel approach to paint promotions with a new “31 Days of Color” campaign.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op has launched a customization-focused paint experience that allows customers on acehardware.com, on social media and in-store to be inspired with new paint colors and renovate.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is aiming to attract more families with a new corporate giving campaign.

The fabric and craft specialty retailer announced that Boys & Girls Clubs of America will be a major recipient of Jo-Ann corporate giving in 2015. To help inspire young minds, customers will be able to purchase a “pin-up” upon checkout to benefit the organization from March 1 through April 4 at all Jo-Ann stores nationwide.

Cranberry Township, Pa. -- Teen retailer rue21 announced the opening of its flagship, which is located less than one mile from its corporate office. The 8,000-sq.-ft. store includes apparel and accessories for both girls and guys as well as the chain’s newest and fastest-growing division, rue+ plus sizes. The merchandise mix also features fragrance, beauty and room decor.

Ann Arbor, Mich. – Pizza retailer Domino’s, which recently shortened its name from “Domino’s Pizza,” is reportedly turning to social media to promote the name change and also locate out-of-date signs. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Domino’s is encouraging consumers to upload photos of signs with the old Domino’s Pizza logo and name to Instagram using the hashtags #LogoInformants and #Sweeps.

Lebhar-Friedman is seeking an Audience Development Manager for its publications.    JOB SUMMARY:

Charleston, S.C. - The Running Buddy, a vertical retailer of specialty lifestyle products, have introduced a Brand Ambassador program. Running Buddy Brand Ambassadors are invited and encouraged to share their thoughts and collaborate with other ambassadors in a variety of ways including: social media outreach and engagement, sharing audio or video clips, outreach to potential Running Buddy retailers, writing informative blog posts or articles, sharing photos from marathons and other activities, and more.

Michaels is trying to drive digital engagement with customers by giving away the springtime trip of a lifetime. 

The retailer will be offering up a free trip for two to Paris for those who create art and upload it to Michaels' website or social media venues.