Social Media

New York — J.C. Penney Co. on Friday said it fully backs its partnership with the popular television star and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Its support comes after One Million Moms, an extension of the conservative American Family Association group, asked the retailer to dump DeGeneres as a spokeswoman because she is a lesbian.

Los Angeles -- SkuLoop, a retail solution provider offering a suite of tools that allows retailers and brands to build their own digital promotions, announced that veteran fashion executive Trent MacLean has joined its board of advisors. He previously served as president and COO of 7 for all Mankind and Paige Denim, and prior to that as president of Liz Claiborne Casual Sportswear and president of Liz Claiborne Canada.

Redmond, Wash. -- PlayNetwork on Wednesday announced a partnership with restaurant and entertainment chain Dick's Last Resort, to provide original video, social engagement and custom music programs.

PlayNetwork said it is producing "Dick's TV," which features a lineup of original programming and product promotions.

Boston -- A report released Wednesday by Boston Consulting Group said that, while 96% of companies are using Facebook and 83% are using Twitter, few have an overall marketing strategy that incorporates digital and includes clear metrics for success.

The report, Marketing Capabilities for the Digital Age, presents the findings of a BCG survey of marketing executives at 31 major corporations globally and presents an overview of the digital landscape.

By Paul Cook, [email protected]

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe's announced that is partnering with Houzz, a leading social site for home remodeling and design, to offer consumers the chance to win a dream kitchen.

As part of its marketing relationship with Houzz, Lowe's has launched the “Dream Kitchen” sweepstakes, giving customers the chance to win a dream kitchen, valued at $50,000, designed and built by Houzz's top designers and contractors with materials from Lowe's.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's announced that is partnering with Houzz, a social site for home remodeling and design, to offer consumers the chance to win a dream kitchen.

As part of its marketing relationship with Houzz, Lowe's has launched the “Dream Kitchen” sweepstakes, giving customers the chance to win a dream kitchen, valued at $50,000, designed and built by Houzz's top designers and contractors with materials from Lowe's.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club has expanded its Simply Right brand to include a line of quality and affordable vitamins, the retailer announced.

Sam's Club said its brand, which replaces its Member's Mark line, features refined packaging and vitamins that are formulated to deliver the same benefits in a smaller pill, making it ideal for members and families who have difficulty swallowing pills, Sam's Club said. The line includes triple strength fish oil, Co Q-10 softgels, glucosamine HCl and vitamin D3.

Albany, N.Y. -- Social media marketing agency Media Logic said Tuesday that 70 new brands have been added to its Retail Social Juice Index, bringing the total number of tracked brands to nearly 700.

The additions, including eBay, DKNY and Zappos, creates a more comprehensive industry index and provide users with a broader competitive set for comparison, according to Media Logic.

By Jim Singer and Mark Langsfeld, [email protected], [email protected]

Want to read something scary? Here’s an excerpt of a review on Quiznos posted on a popular restaurant review site: