• Study: Americans Eager For 2011 Workouts
    While marketers can always count on vows to "exercise more" to be right up there with "lose weight" and "quit smoking" this time of year, there are signs that Americans really are looking to celebrate economic recovery with a little more time at the gym. A new survey from 24 Hour Fitness reports that 72% of consumers say they hope to exercise more in the New Year. Younger people are more gym-bitious: 81% of adults 25 to 34 say they expect to be more active this year, compared with 73% of those in the 35 to 44 age group, …
  • WPP Acquires Blue State Digital
    WPP Group this morning said it acquired privately held Blue State Digital, a full-service digital shop with operations in New York, London, Los Angeles, Boston and Washington, DC. Terms were not disclosed, but WPP said Blue State's annual revenues have grown "in excess" of 30% per year since its founding in 2004, and that the agency currently employs 130 people. WPP said Blue State specializes in digital campaigns for advocacy, membership and fundraising campaigns for nonprofit, educational, cultural and political and corporate clients.
  • Macy's Kicks Off Million-Dollar Makeover Search
    Macy's is looking for eight people who need more than a new haircut or whiter teeth: The retailer is launching a Million Dollar Makeover, which will shower the "befores" in products, services, cash and experiences. Describing it as a "makeover on steroids," the Cincinnati-based retailer will seek nominations through its Facebook page, with finalists decided by Facebook voting. The winner will get a total reinvention from Clinton Kelly, Macy's style expert and co-host of TLC's What Not to Wear. Eight winners will get a total makeover, which will be filmed and posted to www.facebook.com/macys for open voting, two per …
  • Penney, Target Double Down For Boxing Day
    While the holiday selling season may be going better than expected, some retailers aren't taking chances, advertising sweeping post-holiday reductions even before Santa starts up the sleigh. JCPenney is promoting its biggest-ever After Christmas Sale, with the early hours and "Doorbuster" deals customers are more used to seeing in November. Penney says it will offer over 100 different doorbusters from 7am to 1 pm, and an expanded 48-page circular. And while stores will be closed Dec. 25, the post Christmas deals will be available online, with free shipping for orders of more than $69. Instore values include $10 off …
  • The National Hockey League Launches Social Media Campaign
    Social is central to a new campaign from The National Hockey League. The campaign, starting this week, puts Facebook into the New Year's Day broadcast of the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, to be played in Pittsburgh between the Penguins and Washington Capitals. The promotion, called "Watch And Win" dangles sponsor-company goods, such as Honda's CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, and trips for four to both Universal Orlando Studios and the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. Consumer -- they must be U.S. residents -- must sign up at NHL's Facebook page and click on the appropriate tab. Then, according to …
  • No Sales At Sears
    This holiday season, Sears and Kmart, which merged in 2005, are pushing a single message:  Buy with layaway, buy with coupons, buy now and pay later, buy with loyalty rewards points — but please, just buy, ", reports The New York Times.
  • For Day's and Gen Y, Fair Trade Diamonds Sparkle
    While the industry continues to grapple with the concerns about blood diamonds, Day's Jewelers is aiming to put Fair Trade Diamonds Made in Botswana on Gen Y's ring finger. The diamonds--the only ones currently available that are guaranteed to be mined, cut and polished in a single African nation--are proving to be popular with younger consumers, who are increasingly likely to see diamonds as politically cringe-worthy instead of harmless bling. The small regional chain, based in Waterville, Maine, began selling the diamonds late in 2008. And while supply continues to be a problem, company sales are up some 13 …
  • For Day's and Gen Y, Fair Trade Diamonds Sparkle
    While the industry continues to grapple with the concerns about blood diamonds, Day's Jewelers is aiming to put Fair Trade Diamonds Made in Botswana on Gen Y's ring finger. The diamonds--the only ones currently available that are guaranteed to be mined, cut and polished in a single African nation--are proving to be popular with younger consumers, who are increasingly likely to see diamonds as politically cringe-worthy instead of harmless bling. The small regional chain, based in Waterville, Maine, began selling the diamonds late in 2008. And while supply continues to be a problem, company sales are up some 13 …
  • For Day's and Gen Y, Fair Trade Diamonds Sparkle
    While the industry continues to grapple with the concerns about blood diamonds, Day's Jewelers is aiming to put Fair Trade Diamonds Made in Botswana on Gen Y's ring finger. The diamonds--the only ones currently available that are guaranteed to be mined, cut and polished in a single African nation--are proving to be popular with younger consumers, who are increasingly likely to see diamonds as politically cringe-worthy instead of harmless bling. The small regional chain, based in Waterville, Maine, began selling the diamonds late in 2008. And while supply continues to be a problem, company sales are up some 13 …
  • Zenith Lands Sonic: Will Handle Online, Offline Media
    Sonic Corp., franchisor of the Sonic drive-in restaurant chain, has tapped Zenith Media as its agency for all national and local media planning and buying, including both online and offline. Billings were not disclosed, but Sonic said Zenith was selected from a group of finalists that also included WPP's Maxus and Interpublic's Universal McCann. Joanne Davis Consulting handled the review.
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