US shoppers saved $3.7 billion with coupons last year, when marketers distributed more CPG coupons (332 billion) than in 2009, making 2010 "the largest single-year distribution quantity ever recorded," according to Valassis, one of the nation's leading media and marketing services.

"Marketers are distributing more coupons in the marketplace to reach today's value-centric consumer," said Suzie Brown, Valassis CMO. "For years, we have heard that the consumer is king and this rings so true today. Shopping and savings go hand in hand."

Digital couponing is fast becoming the online thrift of choice as category leaders like Groupon and Living Social, as well as daily deals sites have made this a win-win model for clients and consumers.

Add just-launched CouponFactory to the mix. The site enables users to create, manage, distribute, and track digital coupon, including via a mobile app.Continue reading...

Last year we brought you news about The Brandery, a Cincinnati-based consumer marketing "accelerator" that welcomed its first class of high-tech startups in September and showcased their efforts in November.

It's now inviting the second class of startups to apply for a $20,000 grant, which includes mentoring, and some of the best minds in brand marketing and positioning helping the startups figure out their consumer marketing and product development.

Applications for the 12-week program will be accepted through June 1, and five qualifying companies will be selected to start the program on August 1. 

We asked co-founder Dave Knox, the P&G veteran who is now CMO of Rockfish Interactive, about takeaways from the first round and thoughts for applicants for the second.Continue reading...