Social Media

Milford, Conn. – Subway is entering a cross-platform advertising partnership with NBCUniversal for its new interactive game show “Million Second Quiz.” In addition to providing gift cards to contestants during the course of the show, Subway will offer photo opportunities and social media engagements.

Other aspects of the joint campaign will include messaging on Facebook and Twitter, a prize of a year’s worth of foot-long subs via an NBC radio promotion, and a Subway presence in the live stream both online and in the MSQ App.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie is stepping into the digital arena for its latest advertising campaign with a social media contest to find who will get to be featured in an “I’m Beef People” advertising circular or outdoor billboard. 

The “I’m Beef People” local campaign also supports Winn-Dixie’s recent introduction of WD Brand Choice Angus Beef to all Winn-Dixie stores.

The rapid spread of a presumably false rumor about Jack Nicholson retiring from acting last week got me thinking about what a true Hollywood icon he has become and how he took a very unique path to greatness. Retailers aspiring to greatness in their social efforts may want to “be like Jack” in the way they apply social media technology.

Know your own strengths

Bud Light Platinum and Justin Timberlake are launching "Platinum Nights," a digital-to-real-world scavenger hunt that will challenge social media-savvy fans to unlock a series of weekly clues for a chance to win Platinum flyaway experiences during Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience World Tour.

Throughout the next 13 weeks, Timberlake, Bud Light Platinum's creative director, will release a weekly clue via his Facebook page to lead fans to online and real-life Platinum experiences where they can unlock additional clues.  

Walmart and Sam’s Club executives are scheduled to participate at several events in Northwest Arkansas in the coming weeks designed to educate the company’s suppliers on digital strategies.

Mississauga, Ontario – Canadian interactive retailer The Shopping Channel is relaunching as TSC. The relaunch includes an upgraded and redesigned website, as well as a new "ShopTSC" app for iPhone, iPad and mobile website.

Phoenix – PetSmart is allowing customers to virtually try Halloween costumes on their pets via Facebook. PetSmart’s “Spooktacular Costume Machine” on Facebook lets customers upload a photo of their pet and virtually try on 10 different costumes, add props and text, and share a photo through email, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

After creating a costume, coupons are available to print, including $2 off any PetSmart costume purchase and buy-one, get-one treat coupons. The promotion begins Sept. 16.

PHOENIX — PetSmart is leveraging Facebook to drive sales of pet costumes, as well as Halloween-themed accessories, toys and treats. 

The retailer will be stocked with everything from pumpkin and witch costumes for guinea pigs to a whole assortment of costumes for dogs that include bandanas, hair bows and angel wings and exclusive character costumes from Disney, Martha Stewart Pets, DC Comics, Marvel and Peanuts.