Marketing Tactics

New York -- Amazon.com is the most popular U.S. online retail site when it comes to having web content shared on Pinterest, the pin-board style social network, in the run up to Christmas 2013. The findings come from a study by digital marketing software and services specialist Searchmetrics.

In a study of ten top U.S. retail sites, images and pages from Amazon.com are being shared most frequently on Pinterest, with Walmart and Apple taking second and third positions respectively.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems, a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced its retail services business, which manages more than 120 private label and co-brand credit programs, has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services for home decor and lifestyle retailer Z Gallerie.

The specialty retailer operates 58 stores located in 19 states, featuring an eclectic mix of upscale home furnishings and accessories.

Retailers usually measure 
the success of project spending by ROI, or "return on investment." ROI measures how many dollars you get back for every dollar you invest. This is a prudent and necessary way of justifying investment in things like IT systems, facilities and processes.

But not everything of value can be measured by simple dollars and cents. How do you measure the return on hope given to hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children, both in the United States and around the world?

In a first-of-its-kind professional sports league shop-in-shop concept in a major retail chain, Dick’s Sporting Goods and the National Hockey League launched three NHL branded shops in Dick’s locations in Lombard, Ill., Cranberry Township, Pa., and West Nyack, N.Y.

The 400-sq.-ft. shops stock a variety of men’s, women’s and children’s lifestyle apparel, jerseys, headwear, outerwear and accessories featuring top NHL-licensed brands. The assortment includes authentic and lifestyle home team merchandise to cater to a wide range of fans.

New York – Barnes & Noble is offering free shipping on any Nook e-reader device purchased online by 11 a.m. ET on Dec.23, with delivery guaranteed by Dec. 24. In addition, Barnes & Noble loyalty members get free express shipping on orders placed online by Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. ET, with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24.

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Donuts has launched its “HoliDDay Fashions” contest, inviting people to post photos of themselves in their holiday clothing and costumes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Beginning Dec. 12 and continuing through Dec. 18, customers can submit their photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the special hashtag #HoliDDayFashions.

On Dec. 20, Dunkin' Donuts will announce a total of five winners to receive a prize pack. No purchase is required.

Bridgeview, Ill. -- Rose Paving Company, a provider of complete parking lot management solutions to commercial and industrial properties nationwide, announced it  raised $7,000 during its year-long, multi-event fundraising campaign benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The donation, presented to St. Jude in December, will help support the lifesaving mission of one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers.

Amazon.com is the most popular U.S. online retail site when it comes to having Web content shared on Pinterest in the run up to Christmas 2013.

In a study of 10 top US retail sites, images and pages from Amazon.com are being shared most frequently on Pinterest, with Walmart and Apple taking second and third positions, respectively. According to a study conducted by digital marketing software and services specialist Searchmetrics, content from Amazon.com currently generates 16,360 pins per week, Walmart generates 5,778 pins per week and Apple generates 3,871.

Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Gina R. Boswell to the company's board of directors.

Boswell is EVP, personal care, for global food, personal care and household products company Unilever. She has held numerous senior leadership positions with other leading global companies, including Avon Products, Ford Motor Company and Estée Lauder Companies.

Restoration Hardware co-CEO Carlos Alberini has resigned his post, effective Jan. 31, 2014. He plans to continue serving as a member of the company’s board of directors and will remain a significant shareholder.

Alberini is heading to Los Angeles, where he will take the helm as chairman of the board and CEO of Lucky Brand, effective upon closing of the pending acquisition by Leonard Green & Partners.