Social Media

The nearly 1,000 stores Gap Inc. operates under various nameplates that will be open on Thanksgiving are the latest indication of the extreme measures required of retailers to grow holiday sales during challenging and intensively competitive times.

NEW YORK — The ways in which the largest U.S. retail brands address the needs of their customers on Facebook and Twitter were unveiled last week in a white paper — Safeway and Sears topped charts; Costco, Kmart, Kroger and Walmart were found wanting, according to Conversocial, a software company that develops social media tools.

By Bryon Morrison, president/Wireless Practice, The Marketing Arm

Can you hear that noise? It is the melodious sound of sleigh bells, phones, and cash registers ringing. The holiday shopping season is almost here and strategies incorporating mobile marketing can expand your database, reaffirm customer loyalty, and usher in new multichannel techniques to make the most of this holiday season — but only if you get your plan into action right now.

Holiday marketing strategy and the current environment

By Jay Samit, [email protected]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is giving customers the chance to preview its Black Friday specials early. The company announced that customers can sign up at Walmart.com or Facebook.com/Walmart to receive an early preview of its specials on the widest assortment of top electronics, toys, apparel and more. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday it is offering an early previous of its Black Friday deals.

The retailer will begin previewing special deals on Wednesday, and will hold an early holiday sale beginning Nov. 5.

The Black Friday preview for specials in electronics, toys and apparel will be available to shoppers who sign up at Walmart.com or the store's Facebook page, according to the company.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Tuesday that it has launched a comprehensive digital media program across its 98 million-sq.-ft. nationwide retail portfolio.

The firm is rolling out The Scoop customer loyalty program, the My Style social media program and new center-specific mobile apps to deliver up-to-the-minute information on fashion trends, retailer promotions and events.

New York City -- New York & Co. said Tuesday it has launched its debut Facebook sweepstakes campaign, which it will promote through multiple social media outlets.

The promotion, which runs Nov. 1 – Nov. 16, utilizes email, in-store signage, Facebook and Twitter, and awards a sweepstakes winner a trip for two to New York City, as well as provides gift cards to runners up.
 

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners has announced the hiring of Caroline Hurley as a senior marketing coordinator in the Dallas/Ft. Worth office.

Hurley will be responsible for executing national marketing strategies at the local level including branding, lead generation initiatives, communications and public relations, digital marketing and providing broker support. 

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us holiday plans mix technology, QR codes and retro ads that speak to the company’s heritage.

As part of its 2011 holiday advertising campaign, the chain will air a series of themed television commercials designed to showcase the company's toy expertise and its strengths as a specialty retailer. The commercials include two ads from its archives which celebrate the heritage of the brand. Another group of ads feature products exclusive to Toys“R”Us.