Social Media

Retailers have long been interacting with customers via Facebook, but the social network is making a big push to become a full-fledged CRM platform.

Among the announcements Facebook made at its F8 developers conference this week was a beta release of its Messenger chat platform with bots and a new Send/Receive application programming interface (API).

Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer, has decided to leave the company, effective May 13, after 32 years of service.

Reardon did not specify her exact reason for leaving, but in a statement implied she will be taking some time away from her professional career.

The world’s largest social network has updated its policies regarding branded content and, in so doing, given retailers a new marketing tool.

Facebook is now allowing retailers and other marketers to work with media companies, celebrities and other key “influencers” to place certain types of branded content on its platform.

The world’s largest social network has updated its policies regarding branded content and, in so doing, given retailers a new marketing tool.

Facebook is now allowing retailers and other marketers to work with media companies, celebrities and other key “influencers” to place certain types of branded content on its platform.

By now, everyone has heard the adage “the store is the center of omnichannel” and seen the statistics showing that physical stores account for about 90% of retail sales. So clearly brick-and-mortar stores are as relevant as ever.

Well, yes and no. Brick-and-mortar stores can be relevant as ever, but only if they offer modern technological amenities expected by today’s customers. Here are three ways to make sure consumers see your stores as central to their omnichannel shopping activities.

Digital computer and electronics retailer Newegg wants to engage customers wherever they are, including on one of the world’s most popular social messaging apps.

Newegg will begin using Facebook Messenger to provide customer support. The e-tailer currently offers customer support options via email, SMS text message, phone and chat. Giving customers the ability to engage with Newegg’s customer support representatives via Messenger is an important asset to add to the company’s mobile strategy, according to executives.

A new study of 2,600 consumers by Blackhawk Engagement Solutions, titled "Where It's At: a Connected Shopper Study,” shows that across retail categories, shoppers would prefer a higher value rebate versus some lower value offers. Additionally, 68% of shoppers said rebates are an attractive offer in-store and 65% said rebates are an attractive offer when shopping online.

Retailers looking to keep up with consumer demand for an individualized and seamless customer experience have a new supporting technology option to consider.