Omnichannel

eBay is in the process of acquiring Braintree, an innovative global payment platform powering online and mobile-first startups, for approximately $800 million in cash.

New York -- Brand marketer mobile budgets surged 142% between 2011 and 2013. The 2013 “Marketer Perspectives on Mobile Advertising” study from IAB and Ovum also shows that three-quarters (74%) of 300 surveyed brand marketing executives who currently use mobile advertising expect that their companies’ mobile advertising spend will increase in the next two years.

nGage Labs, a leading provider of in-store shopper engagement solutions for retailers, has appointed Kelly Gibson as the company’s director of retail engagement solutions.

As might be expected from a retail chain that serves as an extension of a technology brand, Microsoft stores are sleek and futuristic. Store layout is open and interactive, with a wide variety of opportunities for shoppers to engage with technology. However, customer-facing technology is limited to products on display, without IT features such as self-service kiosks or electronic shelf labels that can be found at many other stores.

Interactive Promotional Display

Wayne, N.J. – Toys ‘R’ Us is opening Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy, gear and more.

eBay Enterprise, a leading global provider of commerce technologies, omnichannel operations and marketing solutions for retailers and brands, introduced its latest suite of commerce technologies at its annual client summit.

Target has launched a streaming digital video service nationwide. Called Target Ticket, it gives customers an easy way to access and enjoy movies on preferred digital channels and devices at any time. 

Target has a partnership with San Francisco-based Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group that reviews movies and television shows. The retailer said the partnership would make it easier for parents to choose the right content for their children and set up filters for violence, profanity and ratings and customize a profile for each family member.

By Joe Easley, Sr. Director, Business Development & Product Strategy, Kobie Marketing

As retailers continue their quest for deepening customer engagement, they’ll often turn to a loyalty program. Yet high membership numbers are deceiving because engagement levels are actually stagnant. This poses the question, are loyalty programs right for every brand? How do brands choose the right strategy for customer engagement and the overall integration of the loyalty program within the brand?