April 23, 2014 - This spring, VTech will introduce new products that build upon its legacy as a learning authority. New spring products were added to its award-winning infant and preschool, Switch & Go Dinos and Go! Go! Smart Wheels lines as well as new Learning Cartridges for its popular kid-friendly InnoTab Learning Tablets, offering engaging, innovative introductions that make learning fun.

Read more: New Toys from VTech

April 22, 2014 - As today marks the 44th-annual Earth Day observance, it is no surprise that many companies are taking this opportunity to promote their sustainability initiatives. From Tim Hortons to Kroger and beyond, the eco-friendly message is clearly a major part of positioning many brands. Here is a look at just a few of the companies that are touting their "green" thumbs today.

Read more: Earth Day: Promoting Green Initiatives

April 21, 2014 - When customers visit your website, they're looking for an experience. Your impressive corporate structure means nothing to prospects. What they want is authenticity, a spark of personality that creates a connection. Companies are moving away from transactional relationships and implementing charisma in their strategy. Successful marketing practices revolve around establishing personal bonds through online platforms.

With mass consumer data at our fingertips, consumers come to expect personalized service in exchange for personal information. A survey by Accenture reveals 49 percent of consumers gladly support tracking data to inform their future purchases and remain aware of product availability. Start getting real with your marketing strategy and reap profits that are anything but virtual.

Read more: Humanize Your Marketing Strategy

April 17, 2014 - The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) dropped half a point in March, but continues to indicate positive conditions for consumers. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

"The outlook for consumer spending remains healthy," said Daniel Bachman, Deloitte's senior U.S. economist. "The Index declined primarily due to a slower increase in median home prices. While housing prices are cooling off a bit, possibly due to the weather, there is no indication that the inventory of houses for sale has suddenly picked up."

Read more: Deloitte Consumer Spending Index Continues to Slide

Why You Need a Mobile Guerrilla Marketing Plan & How to Get Started

April 16, 2014 - Ninety percent of American adults have a mobile phone, according to a January Pew Internet Project study. Another survey from Nielsen found that of these mobile phone owners, more than 60 percent own smartphones. With this level of connectivity, business owners without a solid mobile marketing plan are missing out on a significant avenue to earn new customers and make more money.

Read more: Mobile Guerrilla Marketing - Why & How

April 15, 2014 - Did you know that May 4th is Star Wars Day? Well, on May 4th, MY M&M'S is unveiling "sweet" Star Wars-themed MY M&M'S chocolate candies and merchandise. Now, fans of either the dark or light side can join the chocolate - ahem - 'm'pire and display their allegiance with special blends of M&M'S with well-known Star Wars phrases and characters, like Darth Vader and Yoda. Available in a wide variety of packaging options, Star Wars MY M&M'S are an attractive party favor for celebrations on May 4, or to help celebrate any special occasion.

Read more: May the 4th Be With You

April 14, 2014 - Crumbs Bake Shop and BJ's Wholesale Club announced BJ's will be exclusively carrying an assortment of the bakery's sweet treats. All 201 club locations in 15 states will carry a variety of items including signature cupcakes, ice cream cupcakes, ice cream sheet cakes and Crumbnuts— a cross between a croissant and a donut. Until now, the delectable desserts were only available at Crumbs Bake Shops.

Read more: Crumbs Bake Shop Heading to BJ's

April 11, 2014 - Lego Systems, Inc. hosted the 'Build for Good' competition where Seattle's most innovative companies, including Amazon, Egencia, Expedia, HTC, Nordstrom, Xbox and Zulily, were invited to compete by building a Lego Mindstorms robot designed to improve everyday life on April 10. Shubham Banerjee, 12 year old inventor of Braigo, a Braille printer that anyone can build using a Lego Mindstorms set, inspired the challenge and was among the judges who awarded Nordstrom with top honors for creating a robot that made it easier to dispense medication.

Read more: Seattle Companies Battle in Lego Mindstorms Competition