The message is clear: Brands and retailers not already developing digital coupon strategies need to get in the game. Now.Digital couponing, including mobile delivery methods, is here and growing at a feverish pace.
Coca-Cola Co. activated its sponsorship of the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup to help the chain sell an exclusive “Once-in-a-Lifetime” trip for four to the tournament, being held this month in South Africa.
In April, Dollar General began accepting manufacturer coupons printed from the Internet and also started offering its own online coupons.The chain is using its website to tout P&G's new Pantene brand relaunch.
Facebook is growing from its origins as a social networking phenomenon into a website where consumers have the opportunity to research and support businesses and products through recommendations from friends and fan pages.
In April, Dick's launched a free "RunnersUnite!" iPhone application. The app lets users communicate with each other, find local running routes and locate fellow users running nearby in real time. Users also can opt in to receive special promotions.
Advance Auto Parts activated its title sponsorship of Feld Entertainment's Monster Jam motorsports event tour and corresponding TV series in a circular feature promoting the new "Grinder" truck driven by Lupe Soza. (See Image at right.)
AutoZone's sponsorship of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl college football game continues next season, when the event will be held on Dec. 31, in Memphis, TN, and televised on ESPN.
In March, the retailer launched a program for smartphone users that delivers coupons containing barcodes to be scanned at checkout. Shoppers register for the program by text message or online, then receive regular text messages summarizing new offers and providing a link to the coupons.
Sears Holdings is undertaking several initiatives designed to revitalize the market presence of its classic private-label brands -- including expanding distribution beyond its own stores.The retailer began a renewal of its 80-year-old Kenmore appliance brand last November that thus far has included
In March, Publix launched an online coupon program through Coupons Inc., Mountain View, CA. A link from the chain's website takes consumers to a Publix-branded area on Coupons.com to view and download manufacturer coupons.
