Tuesday, April 27, 2010

AM Inbox: The age of quasi-editorial content

The Retail Email Blog monitors the email marketing campaigns of more than 100 top online retailers. Here are highlights from my inbox this morning:

Spiegel, 4/26 — Introducing SIGNATURE STYLE MAGAZINE - a whole new way to shop!
In my Email Insider column today, I expressed surprise that email marketers weren’t more bullish on the ability of editorial content to boost subscriber engagement. I feel that perhaps part of the lack of enthusiasm arises from how different folks define “editorial content.” I feel that even small nuggets of information or giving a product promotion and editorial frame, like Neiman Marcus as done on occasion (see Feb. 24 AM Inbox), count as editorial content. We’ve definitely entered an age of quasi-editorial content. Spiegel’s launch of an online, shopping-focused Signature Style Magazine is a perfect example of this. There’s some newsiness and education here, but the main goal is a promotional/sales one. In this new age, it’s less about the end and all about the voice and approach that’s used to get customers to that end.

Click to view this Apr. 26, 2010 Spiegel email full-sized

Lane Bryant, 4/26 — Last Day To Save Up To 50% Off Sitewide
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a retailer promoting a “too hot for TV” commercial—or in this case at least too hot for Fox and ABC. A little controversy, a little sex, and Lane Bryant will probably get some mileage out this commercial. Bluefly web-hosted steamy “director’s cut” versions of their TV commercials like this one a few years ago and I thought it was very smart considering the racy brand image they were trying to cultivate.

Click to view this Apr. 26, 2010 Lane Bryant email full-sized

SUBJECTIVITY SCANNER: Select noteworthy subject lines
Norm Thompson, 4/26 — "My only regret is that I didn't buy one sooner!" Get the bag she loves.‏
Crate & Barrel, 4/26 — Stripe it bright for Cinco de Mayo
Harry & David, 4/26 — Mother's Day gifts she'll tell everyone about + Offer Inside
Neiman Marcus, 4/26 — Need a gift for Mom? DAVID YURMAN has just the thing
Walgreens, 4/26 — Gift Ideas Just for Mom | Get a $10 Credit
1-800-Flowers.com, 4/26 — Celebrate Mom with Roses, $19.99 for a limited time only - Save 50%
NFLshop, 4/26 — Get Mom the Perfect Gift - Custom Jerseys, Jewelry, & More!
Macy’s, 4/26 — Free Shipping on perfect Mother's Day gifts!
Blue Nile, 4/26 — 10% Off Jewelry Gifts Any Mother Will Love + Free FedEx Shipping
Dell, 4/26 — We love these systems! (We think you'll love them, too)
J. Jill, 4/26 — Three ways to wear the linen tunic.
Coldwater Creek, 4/26 — We can't resist...25% off + FREE SHIPPING + The linen shirt we love!
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