Marketing Tactics

One may not immediately associate Kellogg with game apps, but the breakfast cereal brand is releasing a web-slinging game app to mark the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie.

Consumers can also enter a giveaway and a new Kellogg sweepstakes with Sony for a chance to win more than 1,000 prizes, including a free trip for two to New York.

"Spider-Man fans are gearing up for the film and we're casting a web of fun that everyone can enjoy," says Melissa Pawlowicz, senior director of integrated promotions at Kellogg.

Maybelline New York has named Yadim Carranza, known simply as Yadim, as the brand's global makeup artist. Yadim is lauded for his innovative editorial work and bold runway looks.  

In his new role, Yadim will provide artistic vision for Maybelline New York makeup and become the voice of the brand to consumers, press and industry influencers.

Office Depot has launched a digital campaign called “Teachers Change Lives. So Can You” to help raise awareness and funds for classroom supplies for teachers.

As a thank you to these educators, Office Depot has partnered with AdoptAClassroom.org, a national organization dedicated to collecting and distributing funds to teachers, who in many cases use their own money to purchase classroom supplies to ensure each student has the tools to succeed.

American Express added Walmart’s U.S. network of 4,100 stores as locations where customers can participate in the card issuers prepaid Serve offering.

Seattle -- REI has committed to having all of its electricity from renewable sources. The retailer already has 26 solar electric systems generating clean power and a program designed to invest in energy efficiency. Now, REI is buying certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) as part of its strategy to green the energy that powers more than 130 stores, two distribution centers and its headquarters.

Those looking to understand how the retail industry will perform in the second quarter and beyond can gain an interesting perspective from the outlook shared by one of the world’s largest diversified packaging companies.

MasterCard is in the process of acquiring Pinpoint Pty. Ltd., an Australian provider of loyalty and rewards services to financial institutions across the Asia Pacific region. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.

Pinpoint was founded in 1984. Headquartered in Sydney, it has a growing footprint across the region into markets such as China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan and Japan. Its customer base includes financial institutions and merchants.

Around the globe, sellers from country A who promote their products as “Made in country A” are quick to point out that country A products are known for their quality, even by buyers from country C.

Chobani Greek Yogurt is a young brand that has enjoyed tremendous success and to keep the momentum going the company is employing a classic CPG strategy of promoting consumption during different day parts and inspiring new usage occasions.

In essence, Chobani wants Americans to eat more yogurt and recently announced six new products to launch in July that extend the brand beyond breakfast.The new products include Chobani Greek Yogurt Oats, Chobani Indulgent, Chobani Kids, Chobani Seasonal, Chobani Kitchen and Chobani Simply 100 Greek Yogurt in key lime and pineapple Coconut.

Mall-based specialty retailer Express opened its first outlet store at a Tanger outlet mall near Washington, D.C., and has plans for 30 more locations this year.

The operator of 630 predominantly mall-based stores had previously shunned outlet locations, but now views the popular venues as a growth opportunity.