Excerpts from our e-newsletter
10/12
Early holiday displays are “season treason.” According to research firm Yankelovich, 36% of consumers say they don't enjoy shopping as much because of the pressure to buy. In general, 74% feel they're always doing more than one thing at a time, and 77% say they never have enough time to get everything done.
To boost subscriptions and showcase its programming, Showtime Networks is offering consumers free podcasts with stars and producers from its top programs.
Direct marketing companies plan to hire more workers this fall than at any time since 2001. In fact, 80% of companies plan to beef up staff before the end of the year, according to the latest direct marketing employment survey by Bernhart Associates Executive Search, LLC.
10/11
Ryan Partnership has spun off its channel marketing division to form a sister agency, Catapult Marketing. The Westport, CT-based shop opened its doors Oct. 1 with 100 staffers and $30 million in billings — nearly a third of the $100 million in billings that Ryan Partnership claims — from Ryan clients Subway, Mott's, Timex, Pedigree, Dannon, Dole Sunbeam, Sunkist, Baker's Square and Village Inn Restaurants.
The expansion of Wal-Mart's in-store TV network puts flat-panel monitors in checkout lanes, running local entertainment, news and weather updates, and promos for new products and items shelved near checkout.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. vowed last week to fight a lawsuit filed by its largest franchisee that accuses company executives of misappropriating marketing money and billing false charges.
10/6
T-Mobile USA, Inc. has signed a multi-year $100 million marketing deal with the NBA and WNBA to become the Official Wireless Services Partner of both sports associations.
Michelle Wie, the 15-year-old golf phenomenon, has inked a $20 million, four-year deal with Nike that will help catapult women's golf into the limelight. She will be represented by the William Morris Agency, who said she has also agreed to a multi-year deal with Sony.
Karen Sauder has been promoted to president of Zipatoni, replacing Jim Holbrook on day-to-day oversight of the St. Louis-based marketing agency. The position took effect Oct. 3.
10/5
Beginning this week, Fuji Photo Film USA has set up booths at 11 zoos across the country. Each is themed to tie into Halloween celebrations at the different locations, as well as showcase Fuji's support of the giant panda preservation program.
Domino's Pizza has beefed up its pizza line-up with a new flavor — the Steak Fanatic Pizza — and initiated a host of promotions keyed to match the new product.
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