Social Media

Scholastic is unveiling a new multi-platform series, TombQuest, which includes five books by Michael Northrop and an online game.

TombQuest is aimed at eight- to 12-year-olds and is an addition to Scholastic’s three previous multi-platform series, which have published some 22 million copies since the first launched in 2008, and the accompanying websites have 3 million registered users.

New York – Barnes & Noble Inc. is running month-long omnichannel “Get Pop-Cultured” pop culture promotion during July. The effort promotes books, characters, movies, artists, illustrators and pop culture icons with themed events, author signings, panel discussions, contests, exclusive content, giveaways and prizes, sneak peeks and activities.

Spartanburg, S.C. - Denny's Corp. has launched its new Spanish-language Facebook page, Denny's Latino. As part of the brand's integrated communications efforts to connect with customers at different touch-points, the Denny's Latino page includes original and curated content designed to actively engage with online Latinos, and promote ongoing dialogue with this audience.

Las Vegas – Online discount apparel and footwear retailer 6pm.com is launching its first-ever live streaming fashion show and inviting the public to share summer outfits, inspired by the brand's top six summer trends: seaside sorbet, nautical by nature, athletic luxe, neutral notes, feminine flair and metallic madness. The top 10 submitted looks will be featured in the Style by 6pm.com Summer Fashion Show, with winners receiving a $250 6pm.com e-gift card.

Sobeys is leveraging social media to drive Canadian shoppers to its stores. The operator of retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods and Lawton's Drug Stores has enlisted Chef Jamie Oliver for the campaign.

The company’s next #BetterFoodForAll challenge asks Canadians to share their favorite side dish this summer for a chance to win a cooking lesson with Oliver in Toronto. Sides can include coleslaw, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables and fresh salads.

What if you could replicate the physical in-store experience on the web? The concept sounds incredibly powerful. Retailers could connect product experts with key audiences to demonstrate and sell physical products, just like in-store. The ubiquitous “Can I help you?” chat windows are a pale reflection, at best, of a truly interactive customer experience. It’s impossible to convey the intricate details that make a brand and its products unique in a text-only window.

Plano, Texas – Pizza Hut is launching an omnichannel summer promotion tying in to the upcoming release of the Aug. 8 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” live action film. In addition to a custom national television spot and special menu items, the promotion features a number of digital components.

Oakville, Canada – The omnichannel Tim Hortons Duelling Donuts contest kicks off July 7 and at the end of seven weeks, the creator of the next Tim Hortons menu item will be crowned — and they'll win $10,000. New this year, eight finalists will have the opportunity to defend their donut ideas in person to a panel of famous Canadians — Jason Priestley, Jann Arden, Anna Olson and Ben Mulroney.

By Corey Gale, Director of Marketing – Retail and E-commerce, North America, Micros

Burlington, Vt. - Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Truck is launching a month-long tour in New York City July 1-28 and in Portland, Oregon, July 1-29, giving away free ice cream scoops in an omnichannel promotion. Customers can follow the trucks on Twitter to see where they are located and also send tweets to win direct delivery of free ice cream.