Social Media

Westfield shopping centers and the Westfield Family program have launched a “Give Back to School” community program, in which Westfield will donate $57,500 to the program by offering $2,500 to one school in each of 23 communities. The funds will be used to support such school programs as arts and music, sciences, physical education, libraries and technology resources.

Shoppers also will have the opportunity to help local students by donating new and gently used clothing or backpacks through a local community partnership with their Westfield shopping center.

By Scott Zimmerman

The days of collecting customer feedback through an annual survey are over.  Today, retailers are utilizing online and mobile tools that not only serve as “real-time” feedback mechanisms, but also act as bustling hubs of customer conversations and activity online.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings has announced the launch of two Latino social media channels: Facebook.com/SearsLatino and a Twitter handle @SearsLatino.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., and SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Sears Holdings announced that it is reaching out to the growing Latino market with the launch of Facebook.com/SearsLatino as well as its Twitter handle @SearsLatino.

SEATTLE  — Recreational Equipment Inc. announced that it plans to give $4.2 million this year to nonprofits across the country that work to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s announced Tuesday the launch of its iPhone and Android rich app to complement its mobile-optimized website, which launched earlier this year through mobile commerce leader Digby.

Through this initiative, Cabela’s said it is taking a strategic approach to mobile and leveraging the impact and influence it has across all channels to drive traffic, generate sales, enhance loyalty and gain insight on consumer buying behavior.  

The big relaunch of Target’s digital platform isn’t due until later this fall, but that didn’t deter the company from offering plenty of ways to interact electronically with the brand for back-to-school.

New York City -- Aeropostale has launched a fully integrated Facebook Store, powered by Usablenet's technology platform, that combines shopping and social media and extends full e-commerce functionality to the Aeropostale Facebook community.

In addition to being able to purchase from Aeropostale's entire online inventory, the integrated Facebook e-commerce store allows users to easily 'Like' and share items and purchases with their Facebook network - leveraging the viral nature of Facebook's news feed.