Showing posts with label retail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retail. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Allure is Giving Away Over $725,000 Worth of Beauty Loot Using Microsoft Tag


Allure magazine is taking mobile to a whole new level with a first-come, first-win sweepstakes featuring tens of thousands of beauty products in Allure's Free Stuff issue.

First-of-its-kind contest gives readers a completely integrated magazine experience using print, mobile web, and SMS technologies

"This is the largest single deployment of Microsoft Tag in a magazine to date," said Aaron Getz, general manager for Microsoft Tag. "Allure is definitely thinking beyond the pages of its magazine by tapping into the mobile phenomenon that is happening right now and its smart use of Microsoft Tag to integrate print, mobile web, and SMS technologies for the benefit of its readers."

Allure is publishing 36 Tags (2-D bar codes) in its Free Stuff issue in August, which, for the first time will enable readers to use their smartphones to enter any of the 159 giveaways (each with a day, time, and deadline) of 32,358 products—all with personalized service to mobile entrants.

"With Microsoft Tag our readers no longer have to be tethered to their computers to enter to win Free Stuff. It gives them a connection to the magazine anywhere there is a phone signal," says Linda Wells. "When done right, technology is a service, not a gimmick. What we've done is use Tag to give readers what they want—a fast, easy, and more convenient way to participate in our giveaways."

More than 35 editorial pages of Allure will feature Tags to scan for a text-message reminder 15 minutes before the giveaways on that page. A master Microsoft Tag on the contest calendar in the back of the magazine (and on allure.com) can be scanned for a chance to win any or all of the giveaways. The master Microsoft Tag can be torn out and tucked in a wallet, giving readers the chance to scan to win from anywhere.

Allure's annual Free Stuff issue gives thousands of readers the opportunity to try products covered in the magazine. Sampling is the number-one driver to purchase in beauty products.

The Free Stuff giveaways using Microsoft Tag technology instantly connect readers to thousands of full-size products, such as fragrance from Giorgio Armani ($39.50) and skin care from Lancome ($155). There are also fashion giveaways, such as a Calvin Klein handbag ($850) and a jacket from Armani Exchange ($550). You can make your wish list while reading the magazine, and scan using your smartphone for a chance to win. You can also enter to win via computer, by going to allure.com/freestuff.


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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Whatever Happened to Them Wednesdays: Kira Plastinina



Yesterday I strolled down 5th Avenue and thought to myself "isn't it funny how time flies?" It seems like just a week ago I was in the Kira Plastinina store. Last year teen fashion designer Kira Plastinina along with millions of American teens were estatic about her coming to America. When the Russian-born heiress went global, it seemed as though she would be a sure hit in the U.S. However, that wasn't the case. Poor Kira; she learned the hard way that her girlie pink and purple lollipops were no match for H & M, Forever21, and America's ruthless fashion industry. Just 7 months after opening a handful of stores in the U.S., KP Fashion Co. filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy. This had a lot to do with her owing $54.5 million to more than 100 creditors, the slumping economy, and her overly priced garments.

If you're wondering what's going on with Kira Plastinina and her stores now, wonder no more. There are currently no plans for her to reopen any of her U.S. stores. Even her American online site is closed for business. However, her stores in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are doing just fine. It's a year later and her reps still refuse to comment on the whole chapter 7 mess (whomp-whomp). Looks like it's back to the drawing board for Ms. Plastino-no.

Is it me or does this store seem better vacant?


"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
- Suzanna

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