Allstate and other insurers brace for disaster claims.

Amazon finds a fierce bidder in Liberty Media's John Malone.

Armani bucks trend, vows to stay private.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America embrace social media.

British Airways among European airlines impacted by Iceland volcanic ash.

Camel Snus target smoke-restricted NYC.

Coach finds buyers returning to priciest bags.Continue reading...

Air Canada launches new regional brand to replace Jazz.

Amazon vs. Apple "app store" spat continues, while Apple moves to trademark "startup."

Apple iPad 2 finally goes on sale in Japan this week, plus 11 other countries.

Barclay's posts disappointing results.

BP's Russian saga continues as net profit rises, Gulf clean-up costs continue.

Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ace crash tests.Continue reading...

President Obama unveils US budget plan to trim deficit, with $4 trillion in cuts over 12 years, keeping Medicare and Medicaid, and curbs on charity write-offs. The 2012 race in mind, Barack and Michelle Obama also plan to appear on Oprah's May 2nd show.

Apple's iPhone 5 said to be coming this summer, while do-not-track tool added to new Safari browser. Sony, meanwhile, lands top spot for consumer electronics in latest Harris Poll.

Barry Bonds found guilty of osbtruction of justice.

LeBron James bumps Kobe Bryant for the bestselling NBA jersey, as Bryant accused of anti-gay slur.

BP cleanup funds come under scrutiny.Continue reading...

Amazon sued over instant search patent.

American Express powers Foursquare specials at SXSW, where Apple opens pop-up store for iPad 2 sales.

Angry Birds raises $42 million. 

AOL readies post-Huffington Post deal layoffs of 20% workforce reduction.

Bluefly tries social gaming.

Caesars plans Asia hotels, without gambling for now. 

Chrysler’s Twitter account accidentally drops the F-bomb, fires social media agency tweeter.Continue reading...

Brand marketers have found a new way to get their messages out in an increasingly saturated marketplace: hit the road.Continue reading...

It wasn't just the unsuspecting audience members who flipped for Oprah's two-part, final Favorite Things gift-giving year-end special. Featured brands can also expect a boost in holiday sales thanks to the halo effect of the Winfrey wand.Continue reading...

Once the candy of young adults, social media is now becoming the meat and potatoes of valuable brands and value-oriented consumers.  But it’s no longer enough to stick a logo, some boilerplate marketing copy and a handful of ads on your Twitter, Fourquare or Facebook page and call it a campaign.  As social media becomes analogous with social reality, users want to – you know – socialize with their favorite brands the way they do with their friends: through open dialogue and unique, fun and mutually beneficial exchanges. 
 
Welcome to the age of social commerce. Social media—specifically, a strategic social media presence—not only supports but also shapes consumer and brand behavior and increases brand and personal value.  Why?  Let’s break this down. You allow an entire network to review your Tweets about recent purchases, Tumblr posts about cool finds, or Facebook likes and dislikes.  That network cares about what you have to say, which validates your opinions and amplifies your confidence, your I-have-something -to-add chops.  It’s social currency and makes you a more desirable friend online and offline. Brands are starting to get it, and are giving consumers a reason to feel special and wanted via social media outlets.  Continue reading...

Forget Autumn in New York — “Fall In Love With New York” was the theme for the party that welcomed American accessories brand to the French market this month.

Although brand awareness of Coach is said to be still “relatively low” in Europe, the brand’s New York heritage, fashion orientation and accessible luxury positioning justify — and somewhat validate — the attempt and risk to conquer the European consumer.

It's a calculated risk, to be sure, as Coach is partnering with the Printemps chain of department stores in France for in-store boutiques, starting with Paris, Rouen and Deauville.Continue reading...