Social Media

BY JASON OWEN

DALLAS — In the height of the one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, Kleenex is hand-delivering care packs to unsuspecting fans all across North America. Three fans will receive what could be the surprise of a lifetime.

HAMPSHIRE, U.K. — Retailers are predicted to spend $55 billion on mobile marketing by 2015, which is almost double the $28 billion expected this year, according to a new study by Juniper Research.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Pepsi is giving fans a richer Grammy experience by partnering with The Recording Academy and entertainment platform Vevo, to create the "Best New Artist" video series.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue is amping up its omni-channel strategy by updating  its SaksFirst loyalty program and adding free shipping. The changes will make the benefits of the program more consistent across Saks’ different channels.
 
On Thursday, Saks announced that all Saks cardholders will now receive free shipping from Saks stores, Saks.com and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th stores.

Other changes include:

Hampshire, U.K. -- Retailers are predicted to spend $55 billion on mobile marketing by 2015, which is almost double the $28 billion expected this year, according to a new study by Juniper Research.

NEW YORK — L'Oréal USA today announced the official launch of www.forgirlsinscience.org, a Web site designed to inspire and empower girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — E. & J. Gallo Winery and the Campbell Soup Company have won the 2013 CPG Awards for Innovation and Creativity.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association and its Associate Member Council give the award annually to companies they determine have demonstrated creativity and innovation and have made a significant impact on the industry knowledge base.

Portland, Ore. -- Survey results released Monday by Infogroup Targeting Solutions and Yesmail Interactive found that almost 70% of companies plan to spend more on data-related marketing initiatives in 2013, with a heavy emphasis on hiring.

More than half of the respondents surveyed said they plan on adding new employees to oversee their data efforts this year, including analysts and executives.

New York -- Brands and retailers have the most followed or “Liked” pages on social media, according to WSL/Strategic Retail. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of users who “Fan” social media pages, are choosing to follow brands and retailers -- beating out celebrities and TV shows which are followed by just over half of users.  

The finding was unveiled as part of the company’s Buzz to Buy 3.0 trend report, its third annual survey measuring how the power of Social Media and online information are impacting buying decisions.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade, which is owned by Walgreens, has increased Duane Reade brand hosiery sales by close to 20% thanks to a seven-week social media campaign launched in November to raise awareness of those products — produced by Doris Hosiery Mills.