Samsung, conducting a test for more than six months on BestBuy.com, found that it could increasingly interact with consumers via a "Mr. Samsung" expert who answers consumers' questions on the retail site. The company discovered that consumers tend to view products more often after interaction with Mr. Samsung, says Kris Narayanan, director of integrated marketing at Samsung Electronics America.

Target has eliminated 85 positions as part of a reorganization of its marketing department. The company said in a statement that it "routinely evaluates all areas" to ensure its organizational structure is efficient and that staffing levels meet its changing needs. The position eliminations were not specific to employment levels or skill sets, according to a company spokesperson.

K&G Fashion Superstore, a Men's Wearhouse brand, is planning a foray into mobile marketing using a Responsys toolset. The brand is trying to reach consumers who typically don't respond to other direct and digital methods, said Claudia Lugmair, manager of e-communications at Men's Wearhouse. The effort is expected to begin next year.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters will launch an online booking tool in December aimed at growing the brand's customer base and building consumer loyalty. The brand is using an e-mail effort to promote it. The company will launch the tool in time for cruise-booking season, traditionally January and February.

Amsterdam Printing, a catalog retailer of stationery and office products, awarded Statlistics management of its masterfile, effective November 1.

Marketers are finding success building Facebook games and fan pages to engage customers and build loyalty

Healthcare companies know an open dialogue with consumers can increase loyalty, so loyalty programs have been an effective tactic ever since pharma companies began marketing to consumers.

Omniture is a data company that works with hundreds of technology vendors, including ExactTarget and Silverpop to help combine data with digital channels. It recently partnered with ComScore to help media planners have better audience measurement tools. DMNews chats with Matt Langie, senior director of product marketing at Omniture, about data integration, behavioral targeting legislation and the new partnership

New list — MGI's Travel & Timeshare Masterfile — MGILists — This file provides postal, telemarketing, and e-mail access to households with disposable income who also practice long-term vacation and travel planning. It is 51% female.

New list — Adorned Pampered Pet Owners-Buyers — The Rich List Company — This file contains high income buyers who have purchased expensive items for their household pets, including cats, dogs, birds. Average household income is over $100,000. Usage includes Animal Legal Defense Fund and North Shore Animal League.

New list — Hospital Email Database — SK&A Information Services — This file contains the business e-mail addresses of hospital decision makers in the SK&A Hospital database. Every e-mail is matched to a name, business address, phone number and fax number. All e-mail addresses are CAN-SPAM compliant, permissioned and business domains only. The file is telephone-verified every six months.