Loyalty Marketing

Many companies use social media to build their brand, yet research indicates that they may also be able to monetize these channels. Online shoppers who interact with retailers on Facebook and Twitter are looking specifically for inside scoop on deals and want to stay up-to-date on products, according to new research. The study also highlights the popularity of group-buying sites and how smartphones influence social media.

Despite an explosion in consumer conversation technology, Americans have cut back substantially since 2008 on the opinions they share by word-of-mouth about companies and their offerings. Is the recession to blame?

Do deal-a-day sites like Groupon really bring in bigger profits? The Retail Doctor Bob Phibbs says "no" based on numerous case studies from retailers who have lost money from investments in coupon sites.

Unilever announces a partnership with Recyclebank to educate consumers on how they can take small actions to make a big difference in reducing waste and water use.

General Mills is the first large consumer products company to test the waters with the popular daily-deal Web site. Early results are promising.

Based on the remarkable success and feedback in 2010, Huggies has already expanded a global adaptation of the program.

A survey of 25,099 U.S. consumers reveals top brands in 46 categories -- from airlines and appliances to toothpaste and sweets. Heres a look at which consumer goods brands were recognized for having the best consumer sentiment in 2011.

The rise of social commerce gives mid-market companies a new opportunity to build a relationship directly with the shopper and manage the long tail of the supply chain more easily.These five success factors raise the odds of success.