Social Media

Dodgeville, Wis. — Lands' End is launching its "Set Sail" omnichannel sweepstakes. The contest allows customers to play a virtual tic-tac-toe game on Lands’ End’s e-commerce and Facebook pages, with the chance to win gift cards.

One random winner will receive then grand prize getaway, which includes round-trip airfare for four people to Miami and five nights' accommodations. The contest runs June 12-July 12.

The clever marketers at Jack Link’s have outdone themselves, creating a replica of Mount Rushmore out of meat snacks in New York City’s Columbus Circle.

Vera Bradley has named Angel Ilagan as EVP, chief marketing officer, effective July 21.

Since 2010, Ilagan has served as marketing chief and VP of marketing in the Americas for Pandora Jewelry, where he oversees consumer advertising, promotions, marketing research, public relations, co-op advertising, Web management, customer relationship management (CRM) and social media management. His additional global responsibilities at Pandora include branding, strategic marketing and e-commerce content.

Indianapolis — In a finding that may not surprise some of their elders, Millennials share complaints online two times more than Gen X and three more than Boomers. “The Social Media Behaviors of Millennials, Gen X & Boomers,” the latest study from consultative social media research firm Fizzilogy firm, also explores the social media habits of these three generations.

Key findings include:
Millennials
•    Millennials live-tweet sporting events at more than twice the rate of both Boomers and Gen Xers.

Risk averse retailers were quick to shun Paula Deen after she displayed racial insensitivities last year, but now she is back with a new approach that appeals directly to fans of her brand.

Paula Deen Ventures plans to create an interactive digital experience called the Paula Deen Network that allows viewers to engage and access Deen and her Southern home cooking on a variety of digital platforms. The network will be a paid subscription model and is scheduled to launch this September.

A new app from Seattle-based Shoppost bills itself as the first in-stream e-commerce app that lets online retailers sell via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.

Shoppost is a free app that gathers product information and pulls it into an interactive post that can be shared via social channels in a few clicks. The app is available for free to sellers who use BigCommerce and Shopify with additional e-commerce platform support rolling out in the near future, according to the company.

Craftsman is looking to make the most of this year’s Father's Day with a "Dad" anthem, bacon-inspired wrapping paper and a "MAKEcation" weekend.

The brand describes a MAKEcation as a vacation where dads get to make things with their hands — and, well, Craftsman power tools. “It's like a fantasy camp for tool enthusiasts, hosted by actor and comedian Rob Riggle, with expert instructors from across the U.S.,” the brand said in a statement.

By Eric Larson, Chief Revenue Officer, HelloWorld

The retail industry has experienced a massive shift in recent years, with mobile and social technology bringing both change and opportunity in how consumers research, browse and buy. With today’s new level of price transparency, and the competition always just a tap away, retailers are feeling the pressure.