AM Inbox: First reference to back to school

RetailEmail.Blogspot monitors the email marketing campaigns of more than 100 of the top online retailers. Here are highlights from our inbox this morning:

Target, 6/15 — The Kid Event: Saving big is child's play
Here you go, boys and girls: our first back-to-school reference. It comes about two weeks earlier than our first reference last year, which was from Abercrombie & Fitch (see June 30, 2006 AM Inbox). Check out last year’s Back-to-School Season Finale for content ideas and to plan your cadence.



Hallmark, 6/14 — Vote By Noon Today & SAVE 15% on Bonsai
Here’s another great example of a retailer using animation in an email to great effect in this fun contest and poll. (Good luck, Denver dad.) For more on best practices and pitfalls, including loads of examples of creatives, check out the 2007 Animation in Retail Emails Study.



Here’s the animation in that email:


Barnes & Noble, 6/14 — Save 40% on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I’ve seen several small references to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows but this is the first entire email that I’ve seen dedicated to the book. I suspect it won’t be the last.



SUBJECTIVITY SCANNER:
Lillian Vernon, 6/14 — What's Red, White & Blue and On Sale, Too? [promoting patriotic décor]
Brookstone, 6/14 — Celebrate the Red, White and Blue On Flag Day.
Orvis, 6/14 — 5 great last-minute gifts for Dad
1-800-Flowers.com, 6/14 — Father's Day gifts as low as $19.99!
Circuit City, 6/14 — Father's Day Sale—valuable coupon inside
FTD, 6/14 — It's Not Too Late. Order For Father's Day!
Bass Pro Shops, 6/14 — Send Dad an E-Gift Card from Bass Pro!
American Eagle Outfitters, 6/14 — HUGE SALE! All women's TANKS and men's POLOS.
Bed Bath & Beyond, 6/14 — The Summer's Hottest Relaxer!
Lands’ End, 6/14 — "I love the SwimMini...!"
Finish Line, 6/14 — Roll in a Pair of Heely's from Finish Line!
Abercrombie & Fitch, 6/14 — New Styles With Artistic Detailing.