According to an upcoming eMarketer report that previews the online holiday shopping season, the tough economy has affected how holiday season retailers will go about marketing to consumers. Retailers will rely on 'proven marketing techniques like paid search and e-mail marketing', while other techniques such as social media (Facebook, Twitter), won't be used.

I would have thought that social media would be used in a tough economy where companies may be strapped for marketing money. Being that social media is free, it seems like it would be favored by those companies who are looking to keep their money in the bank, however, social media is not yet a proven marketing tactic. Since it is not yet a proven tactic, the marketing tactics that are proven will be used because the companies can be assured that the tactics will work, which means more money in their pockets.

Interesting article because I would have assumed the opposite.
http://www.emarketer.com/blog/index.php/retailers-focus-basics-holiday-season/

The major online electronics dealer, Newegg is going to have an Initial Public Offering in the near future.
This is likely to be a big deal because Newegg is among the leaders in selling electronics online, and sites such as Amazon.com have copied the way of suggesting similar products a customer may enjoy. Amazon.com had an IPO of $438 million back in 1997. Newegg is expecting an IPO of $175 million, but I see that being much higher because of Newegg's place in the online marketplace. Also, Newegg has turned a profit the past 8 years and had sales of 2.8 billion in 2008.

Amazon.com was trading for $16 a share after the IPO and now is trading at $92.
My suggestion is to get in on the IPO, what do you think?

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN288093020090928