Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us in the U.S. have launched a new holiday campaign which started on the 9th of November, two weeks before “Black Friday”, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season.

The retailer introduced mobile-enabled coupons with barcodes for smartphones, especially Blackberry and iPhone. This follows the launch of e-gift cards in 2009, which customers had to print out to redeem.

The coupon bar codes are sent to your phone via email when joining the Toys “R” Us or Babies “R” Us mailing lists. The mobile version of the email, containing the barcode, is displayed on your phone, which allows clerks equipped with barcode scanners to scan the barcode directly from your phone.

In addition Toys “R” Us recently introduced the “R” Mobile Messaging Service alerting shoppers to upcoming promotions. “This is essential to busy parents who is constantly searching for new, improved shopping solutions,” Prama Bhatt, Vice President of U.S. e-commerce, Toys “R” Us, was quoted saying in a recent press release.

The “R” Messaging Service allows the company to ensure stronger relationships with customers in a convenient way that suites both parties. This service is mostly free, with the given option of receiving information from just one or both of the participating brands (Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us). Both websites’ homepages contain a backwards, ringing “R” at the top of the page: the mobile icon.

The company markets this service via radio, in-store signage together with easy-to-follow instructions, print and online outlets and social media networks. Some of the other features currently available for the mobile-using shopper includes: making instant purchases, obtaining suggestions for gifts, locating a store and reading customer reviews before purchasing a product.

Toys “R” Us is said to be continuing to improve the functionality of its mobile app. This is yet another step in the right direction according to Michael Becker, managing director of the Mobile Marketing Association, because “20% – 30% of U.S. consumers own a smartphone.” Hopefully we’ll see a similar campaign in South Africa soon!

L’Oréal Paris launched their first ever interactive mobile application, created by The Mobile Life, for the Swedish market. The app is called Studio Secrets, named after their new range of professional make up.

The app features include a GPS-enabled store locater and videos by professional artists, such as James Kailardos, that includes step-by-step guides for creating the perfect look. It also features product information, a gallery containing various different make up looks and a feature that enables users to determine which make up suites their skin and hair colour best. This allows users to receive personalised recommendations! But the best feature this app has to offer has to be the product scanner, which can be used in-store to scan different products for their information. The app is available for (free) download at the iTunes store.

L’Oréal is also part of Apple’s new iAds campaign being launched in December 2010 in Europe, with Germany to follow in January. This campaign also includes other big brands such as Louis Vuitton, Renault, Perrier and Nespresso.

Thus, if you’re a beauty junkie, this app is clearly for you – because you’re worth it!

Movember, formally known as November is the month of the moustache and is taking the (now hairy) world by storm. Movember originated in Adelaide, Australia, seven years ago and was founded by the “Movember Committee.”

Movember has since exploded into an international phenomenon that takes place in eleven countries and is enjoyed by many “Mo Bros” (guys representing Movember by growing a mo or donating) and “Mo Sistas” (girls standing behind their Mo Bros and Movember) in support of men’s health issues worldwide.

An interesting advertising campaign is currently running in Singapore to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. They use the faces of celebrities and renowned personalities on their posters, who all seem to have one thing in common: the manly moustache.

There are a number of apps designed specifically for Movember. Apple created the MoPhone app, which allows you to take daily photos of your mo and create a video of your “mo-gress”. SocialMo, a South African Facebook application, is trying to raise R50 000 in support of CANSA’s Men’s Health Campaign.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) raised more than R240 000 in the month of Movember 2009. This goes to show the power of the ‘stache’. Show your support by following the campaign on Facebook and Twitter or by donating to the cause. Be a man and grow your mo. Just remember to abide by the rules!