Sales & Marketing

The U.S. retail industry saw continued growth in online and mobile buying trends in the first quarter, driven by today's rising digital consumer marketplace. Meanwhile, shoppers referred to retailer sites from social networks generated 2.4 percent of all online sales, an increase from the 1.7 percent seen over this period last year.

The addition of MeadWestvaco's Consumer & Office Products business increases ACCO Brands' 2011 revenues by more than 50 percent, with approximately 80 percent of sales of the combined businesses coming from category-leading brands.

Based on SymphonyIRI data, Bud Light Platinum has proven to be the most successful brand launch in the U.S. alcohol industry since 2005.

Pepsi's global campaign launches in the U.S. with "Pepsi Pulse," an interactive digital platform that will operate in real time, curating and serving up trending pop-culture content, entertainment news and consumer incentives.

The acquisition of Promax Applications Group is expected to strengthen Wipros positioning and capability in management, analytics and optimization of trade promotions.

Going direct to consumer is top of mind with CG executives today. But are companies really ready to take on this new wave of consumer interactions? The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently polled CG executives across the globe to better understand how companies are engaging directly with consumers. Here, industry experts discuss the research results and provide recommendations.