Flashmob B2C – Target and Nike Cleverly use Social Media Marketing | Chocolate City: The Best African American Blog

Flashmob B2C – Target and Nike Cleverly use Social Media Marketing

By: Charles S. Mombo
#WWCLICK, #FlashmobB2C, #SeeMombo

Article Source: Flashmob Business to Consumer (B2C)

Flashmob B2C – Target (Missoni Collection) and Nike (Retro XI Concord Air Jordan Basketball Shoe) cleverly use Social Media Marketing.

social media marketing consultant firm such as our sister site, wwclick.com, Inc.

When it comes to creating effective and positive "Buzz Marketing", "Flashmob Business to Consumer", “Real-time Crowdsourcing”, and “Backchanneling” to increase product visibility, there is no other company out here that is as effective as Target and Nike.

Sale of Target’s Missoni Collection Caused Unprecedented Mayhem

On September 13, 2011 Target announced the availability of its 400 piece collection of its newest designer, Missoni. The announcement caused an unprecedented mayhem which was triggered by Target’s aggressive social media marketing strategy. Their marketing strategy was so overwhelming that it brought thousands of shoppers online to their website causing it to crash while thousands more were standing in line at many of their stores early in the morning for a sale of the limited offerings of the collection. Target had planned to continue selling the line into October at all 1,700 stores around the country.

The “Missoni for Target collection” included amazing colors and 60’ish patterns of accessories, electronics, bikes, luggage, clothes and housewares. The 400-piece line made by the Italian luxury designer exclusively for the cheap chic retailer features its trademark zigzag patterns for between $2.99 for stationary and $599.99 for patio furniture — a fraction of the actual price.

Sale of Nike's Retro XI Concord Air Jordan Basketball Shoe Caused Unprecedented Mayhem

On December 23, 2011, Nike released its Retro XI Concord Air Jordan basketball shoe – which was originally released in 1995. Shoppers, mostly youths, gathered outside of stores as early as 4am. Unfortunately, some unruly crowds broke down doors while rushing into the store to make a purchase. In some areas, police had to suspend the sales of the sneakers and suggest that stores close for hours because they could not safely manage the crowds. In some states, police pepper-sprayed crazed shoppers and arrested some shoppers.

Jordan shoes have been a consistent hit with sneaker fans and Nike continues to capitalize on launching a new edition every year. According to a Nike spokesperson, the release dates are often moved to weekends to keep kids from skipping school to buy a pair. The current release is a fashionable and stylish remake of the Air Jordan’s shoe which was originally released in 1996; headed by one of basketball’s greatest players, Michael Jordan. The Bulls won their fourth NBA Championship with an outstanding 72-10 regular season record. Jordan also wore the shoes in the movie "Space Jam," which hit theaters the same year.

Social Media Exposure is Directly Linked with Increases in Sales

Studies have found that in addition to building loyalty among customers, social media outreach has influenced marketing operations. Social media exposure is also directly linked with increases in sales and is the top driver of impact that directly linked with changes in brand perception.

Although both Nike and Target declined to comment on how much money their respective companies spent on marketing, it is no secret that in addition to using affiliated programs, Google AdWords, placing ads on TV, advertising in popular magazines, blog posting and placing ads on popular websites; they also effectively targeted social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, Diggs, and Stumbleupon.