Social Media

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Increased localization of shopper marketing efforts at Walmart is now possible via Facebook following the retailer’s announcement that it would create approximately 3,500 store-specific Facebook pages to serve its nearly 9.5 million fans.

Walmart chief marketing officer Stephen Quinn said the move was an example of the company’s ongoing effort to engage with and listen to customers who desired a more localized experience on Facebook.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it will launch a “My Local Walmart” Facebook application, which will allow more than 3,500 Walmart stores to interact direct with their local customers and some 9 million total Facebook fans.

The "My Local Walmart" Facebook application will provide locally relevant information on everything from new products and sales information, to details on in-store events.

New York City -- Jos. A. Bank Clothiers is teaming up with wedding and bridesmaid dressmaker/retailer Alfred Angelo, Investors Daily said.

Catalogs of Jos. A. Bank's tuxedos and matching accessories will be available at Alfred Angelo Signature’s bridal stores, while Alfred Angelo will be the exclusive wedding-gown partner for the women in Jos. A. Bank's customers' lives, according to the report.

The two will also team up on bridal shows, web content, blogs and social media.
 

New York City -- Research results released Tuesday by American Express found that more than a third (38%) of small business owners believe that the U.S. is still in the throes of a recession.

According to the American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey in its 10th year, concerns about the economy are weighing heavily on entrepreneurs. Twenty-seven percent say they do not plan to grow in the next six months (up from 21% in the spring) and just 77% describe themselves as glass-half-full optimists (down from 85% a year ago).

General Growth Properties is leveraging social media to promote Halloween. The mall owner has launched an online Halloween photo contest that prompts participants – from Oct. 17 through Nov. 2 -- to visit their local GGP mall’s Facebook page and upload a Halloween photo for the opportunity to win a family vacation for four to Universal Orlando Resort.

Bentonville, Ark., and Bellevue, Wash. — Walmart and T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced Monday that T-Mobile will launch a $30 unlimited web and text monthly 4G prepaid service plan to be sold exclusively in-store at more than 2,200 Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com and T-Mobile.com.

The new plan is slated for an Oct. 16 launch.

In addition, Walmart is increasing its line-up of T-Mobile phones to six, including the addition of Walmart’s first 4G prepaid handset.

Worcester, England -- A survey released Thursday by Postcode Anywhere revealed that online security concerns, long forms and enforced sign-up are the three things most likely to make consumers abandon online purchases.

One thousand U.K. consumers were asked to name the top three reasons they might abandon their shopping online. Security concerns topped the poll, with 50% of consumers rating the factor among their top turn-offs.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy said that it is continuing to promote its "MoneyTrashers" campaign by adding new digital resources to CVS.com and the CVS/pharmacy Facebook page.