In today’s world, it’s the norm to be distracted by eye-catching, witty and sense- assaulting ad campaigns. Advertisers have been programmed in recent years to think that distracting ad campaigns on digital platforms are the only way to increase sales and brand awareness. But here at Ink we know that’s not necessarily true! For example, we know that when audiences are inflight reading print media, their attention grows considerably. Up to 50%! This approach to aggressive digital advertising has created an increasingly resistant breed of consumers who shy away - and even shun entirely - digital advertising. In offline mediums like print, radio and TV, advertising can be consumed in a less intrusive way. You cast your eye casually over an advert in a newspaper, let the catchy jingle you heard on the radio become an earworm for days after, or smile at a heart-warming advert during the break of your favourite soap. At its worst, digital advertising prohibits the user experience, preventing audiences from enjoying what they’re trying to consume by blocking their way, or by flashing up when they’re trying to visit a website, for example. click Read More below for more of the story

How do you help grow your print advertising business? Well, in Bauer Media’s case you commission a third-party research firm to confirm what you already believe—readers still love print. Bauer hired Equation Research last fall to survey its readers and learn more about their passions and how they engage with and consume content. The study polled more than 600 females, ages 18-64 who bought one or more magazines from Bauer or a competitor. The study reveals a slew of insights that should, at the very least, raise an eyebrow for prospective advertising clients. More than three-quarters of respondents (84%) said they find themselves more engaged when reading a print magazine, versus consuming other forms of content, including online and on television. click Read More below for more of the story

Macy’s, Inc. and Garrett Brands announced that they have entered an agreement by which Garrett Brands will acquire Frango®, a distinguished, premium chocolate brand, from Macy’s, Inc. As the owner of Frango, Garrett Brands will develop, create, sell and distribute Frango products consistent with the brand’s legacy as a superior chocolate and confectionary brand. Macy’s, Inc. will continue to sell Frango products in the Frango Café at Macy’s State Street store in Chicago, at more than 350 additional Macy’s store locations in the United States, and online at macys.com. The Chicago and Seattle markets hold the greatest brand history, dating back to 1918, but over the years, the Frango business and awareness has grown to many other states through Macy’s, Inc. distribution and stewardship. click Read More below for additional detail

Total net revenues grew 1.1 percent, or $6.2 million, to $554.6 million for the fiscal 2017 second quarter ended January 1, 2017, compared with total revenues from continuing operations of $548.4 million in the prior year period. Revenue for the quarter reflected solid growth in the Company’s 1-800-Flowers.com and BloomNet segments, combined with modest growth in its Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets segment. Gross profit margin for the quarter increased 20 basis points to 46.3 percent, compared with 46.1 percent in the prior year period, this reflected strong gross margin increases in the Company’s BloomNet and Consumer Floral segments. Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, was unchanged at 27.3 percent of total revenues, compared with the prior year period. click Read More below for additional detail