Casino operator Harrah's Operating Company Inc. is testing a new mobile-based loyalty program from bCode. Inter­nally, the program is known as "T.I.P." for "Texting Important People." T.I.P., in test mode at Harrah's Atlantic City, Harrah's New Orleans and Show­boat Atlantic City, is an opt-in program that allows guests of Harrah's casinos to receive special offers from the com­pany via text message.

As part of an ongoing to strategy to test different platforms and reach targeted audiences, Consumers Reports put together a retail program that launched last week in 16 malls in the Boston area. Three of the malls featured Holiday Smart Labs kiosks housing six computer terminals that offered free access to Con­sumerReports.org.

The PC is no longer just a place for watching a couple of minutes of online content: This year, long-form TV and movie viewing on the Web took off.

The US Postal Service's long-awaited Move Update require­ments officially took effect last week; however, mailers will have about six months to become com­pliant with the new requirements before facing any fines.

Blockbuster Inc. has introduced the 2Wire MediaPoint digital media player which will allow Blockbuster OnDemand content to be accessed directly through a user's television set. The player will be available for free for a limited time with the advance rental of 25 Blockbuster OnDemand movies for $99.

Rick's Cabaret International Inc. will combine two of its trade titles into a single publication, named StorErotica Magazine. StorErotica, a controlled circulation publication reaching 12,000 readers, will take the place of Teeze — an 8,000-average-circulation magazine for the lingerie industry — and the 9,000-plus-circ Adult Store Buyer.

Macromark has introduced the Instant Cash System Buyers list to the market. This list is comprised of individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit who wish to make money while working from home and using the Internet.

After the breakup with Wieden & Kennedy — in which the agency dumped the brand, rather than vice versa — Starbucks has selected Omnicom agency BBDO New York as its agency of record. The decision followed a competitive review.

Amazon.com said it will use customer-generated reviews to market popular items during the holiday season.

More than half of Americans — 56.7% — say they will be spending less this holiday due to the economy, but one in five — 22.8% — still plan to be out in the shopping fray on Black Friday, according to the latest American Pulse survey by BigResearch.