Q&As

Bath & Body Works was once again offering 2-ounce samples of its lotions to the crowds of attendees lining its booth at the recent Incentive Show after conducting a test to see how not giving out the samples would bode with attendees at last year’s Motivation Show. The answer? Attendees want some samples.

Greyhound Lines, Inc. has launched its first loyalty program called Road Rewards giving special offers to customers who purchase tickets on the transportation company’s Web site.

Drug store chain CVS boosts online shopping with a short-term promotion for its ExtraCare loyalty card

John Wanamaker, the father of the department store, described the classic dilemma in advertising: “I know half the money I spend on advertising is wasted, but I can never find out which half.” Direct marketers have long believed that they have the answer. But do they?

Buy Lisa Brodsky a celebratory beer the next time you see her. Brodsky was recently promoted to senior group marketing manager for Country Home and Traditional Home, two Meredith Corp. magazines. In making the announcement, Meredith highlighted her use of market research to demonstrate the value of buying space to its advertisers.

We’ve all heard it. For years, the industry buzz has been about multichannel marketing. But we may be missing the mark. While some marketers technically use multiple channels to reach an audience, they are not realizing the real opportunity: to create a better customer experience, unlock a two-way dialogue and measure the results.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has enacted a major change in its employee recognition and rewards program, letting employees choose rewards from a variety of vendors as opposed to managers handing out gift cards or other awards.

BORDERS, INC.: has rolled out a new credit card with Chase called Borders 3-2-1 Visa card, which gives consumers three points for very dollar spent at Borders or Waldenbooks stores; two points for gas, dining and grocery card purchases and one point for …

RedEnvelope Inc., San Francisco, reported fourth-quarter 2006 revenue of $22 million, down from $22.2 million in fourth-quarter 2005. The company

Staples Inc., Framingham, MA, generated $4.24 billion during first-quarter 2006, up from $3.9 billion in first-quarter 2005. The office supply company