BORDERS: is offering three limited edition gift cards designed around the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series

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The key to operating a financially sound loyalty program, of course, is to model the financial results before launch. While your analysis must contain basic assumptions about enrollment, funding, program operating costs, retention benefits and increased yield potential, you’ll still find it extremely useful.

While the most sophisticated direct marketers have applied for decades statistical modeling techniques for teasing out subtle insights to optimize catalog and direct mail investment, the majority of traditional retailers who evolved into equally robust direct merchants through their e-commerce and e-mail investments have remained on the outside looking in.

According to a loyalty program census from Colloquy, the average American household belongs to 12 reward or recognition programs, but is active in only five. The biggest factor in consumer apathy is a lack of relevant communication from the marketer. A look at my own dozen memberships affirms this.

Lillian Vernon Corp. plans to feature online customer reviews of product purchases on its Web site, as part of a broader effort to increase sales, customer loyalty and referrals from Internet search engines.

The Direct Marketing Association's International Council will honor James Thornton with a lifetime achievement award and Daniel Rutenberg as the international direct marketer of the year on June 18 -- DMA International Day.

Penguins are making a come back on the big screen this week with Sony Pictures Animation’s film “Surf’s Up.” And Baskin-Robbins, McDonald’s and ConAgra, among others, are backing the film with full-scale marketing programs and promotions.

(Promo) Promotion marketers often rely on call center reps to get samples or product information into consumers' hands. And loyalty and incentive programs are grounded in a rep's ability to clearly convey the benefits of the programs

(Multichannel Merchant) Just about every postal rate increase sparks renewed interest in postcards and solo mailers, notes Sarah White, spokesperson for Thirdwave Research,