CDW and Ikea demonstrate shift in traditional marketers toward digital

Postmaster General John Potter took on proponents of do-not-mail legislation last week, saying that mailed ads help fund the USPS.

Swedish home furnishings retailer Ikea will launch a digital campaign with AOL next month that includes display advertising, custom content and a microsite. The effort signals a new commitment to US digital media on the part of the multichannel merchant. Ikea's media AOR, Mediaedge:cia, helped to choose AOL for the initiative.

The US House of Representatives passed legislation on September 25 that would allow the US Postal Service to cut the amount of money it is required to pay to its retirement account this year by $4 billion. The continuing resolution, which passed the House by a vote of 217 to 190, was awaiting action in the Senate as of press time.

Insurance provider 21st Century Auto Insurance and Publisher's Clearing House — each with more than 50 years of direct mail marketing experience — are partnering on a multiyear affinity program that has both companies trying new tactics in social media.

CarMD, a Fountain Valley, CA-based manufacturer of the computerized car maintenance product by the same name, will roll out a long-form infomercial for the device nationwide next month.

American Family Insurance launched an integrated campaign this month with NBC Universal, CBS Radio, Katz Advantage and MSN.

Nonprofit the YAI Network has integrated its relaunched Web site with its online marketing, fundraising and advocacy system, with the goal of better engaging visitors.

Advanced Image Direct (AID) has patented Cloud2Mail, a variable data digital print platform that processes orders from the Web and prints four-color envelopes and letters simultaneously.

Mobile coupons come to retail after successful tests in fast food, grocery.