Marketing Tactics

PLANO, Texas — Dr Pepper Snapple Group reported $629 million in profits for fiscal year 2012, up from $606 million in 2011, the beverage maker said Thursday.

Profits for the fourth quarter were $170 million, compared with $166 million in fourth quarter 2011, driven by fiscal year 2012 sales of $5.99 billion and fourth-quarter sales of $1.48 billion, compared with $5.9 billion and $1.46 billion in 2011, respectively.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Using social media to drive brand awareness and sales has to be a carefully thought out process, a new study by J.D. Power and Associates has found.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has partnered with pop music group Mindless Behavior to let fans write lyrics for the band, the mass merchandise retailer said Thursday.

The contest, called "Your Lyrics, Their Voices," gives fans the opportunity to write their own song lyrics for a verse of a special fan edition of the title track for the album "All Around the World."

CHICAGO — Retail executives are moderating their expectations for 2013 following uneven sales in December and January, according to a new survey of CFOs by professional services form BDO USA.

Encino, Calif. -- Yogurt chain Menchie’s said Friday it has launched a new mobile app, Yumm Finder, for iPhones, featuring location finder capabilities and featured promotions.

Menchie's partnered with RAZUR, based in Atlanta, to develop and release the app.

Salt Lake City -- The world’s highest-resolution LED screen is on display in Las Vegas. The enormous screen, approximately 310 ft. wide by 60 ft. tall and populated with close to 11 million pixels, is the feature attraction of the Harmon Corner Retail Center, on the northeast corner of the Las Vegas Boulevard. The three-level center is anchored by Walgreens.

WASHINGTON -- American Eagle Outfitters has expanded its partnership with the Student Conservation Association to engage students in service to America's national parks.

New York -- Tiffany & Co. has filed suit against Costco Wholesale Corp., alleging alleges trademark infringement, dilution, counterfeiting, unfair competition, injury to business reputation, false and deceptive business practices and false advertising. Tiffany said it filed the suit “to prevent further sales of counterfeit diamond engagement rings and for damages associated with prior sales.”

Milwaukee -- The Bon-Ton Stores announced that its “Your Rewards” loyalty program has been revamped and will be reintroduced beginning Feb. 15.

The new program will allow customers to begin earning rewards as soon as he or she $200 on their “Your Rewards” credit card at any of The Bon-Ton Stores seven nameplates, including Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Bergner’s, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers or online.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a survey of more than 6,200 consumers collected during the peak holiday shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Amazon scored highest among 25 of the top mobile commerce companies in terms of customer satisfaction, according to a report released Tuesday by ForeSee.