CardStar extends customized couponing app for iPad

   

BOSTON (Sept. 2) A maker of mobile loyalty card applications launched one of its popular smart phone apps for the Apple iPad.

CardStar's app is designed to connect merchants, brands and consumers through existing rewards card programs, the company said. Since launching in 2009, CardStar's app has had 2 million downloads and currently services more than 700,000 active users.

CardStar's customized couponing features:

• Scissor-free and hassle-free coupon clipping: To select a coupon, drag and drop it onto the corresponding merchant's digital loyalty card inside of CardStar for iPad. To redeem saved coupons, simply use the loyalty card at checkout, whether it's the original plastic one or digital version in the CardStar smart phone app (iPhone, Blackberry and Droid);
• Retailer and manufacturer coupons: CardStar currently partners with numerous retailers and coupon providers, including Zavers, to provide a wide range of saving opportunities;
• Personalization: CardStar helps avoid information overload by only sending coupons for retailers saved in a user's CardStar card catalog;
• Filtering: Users easily can see coupons they've selected previously or search for those from specific brands; and
• Social sharing: Coupons can be e-mailed to friends and family through the app, and users also can automatically check-in through Foursquare at checkout.

"Coupons and rewards programs have been around for decades, but they haven't adapted to today's ever-evolving economy nor met consumer demand for digital content. The CardStar iPad app is an extension of the mobile wallet and offers consumers another touch point to connect with merchants and brands," said Andy Miller, CardStar CEO.

Connoisseurs Products' Diamond Dazzle Stik to make retail debut

   

NEW YORK (Sept. 1) Hitting retail shelves this fall is the new Diamond Dazzle Stik, which is a portable diamond cleaner that is sized to fit in a makeup bag or purse, from Connoisseurs Products.

The Diamond Dazzle Stik uses a twist-to-dispense click pen to deliver the cleansing solution to a flow-through brush. The brush has been engineered specifically to clean behind diamonds and other precious stones and their mountings.

The formula contains microfine cleansers and polishing agents combined with polymer. The polymer fills in fine scratches on the setting, increases the sparkle of the diamond and reduces future build-up of dirt.

To promote the launch, the manufacturer is launching a multipronged advertising program that includes sampling, social media efforts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, branded television spots and consumer contests.

P&G helps families save money during BTS season and beyond

   

CINCINNATI (Aug. 31) Procter & Gamble is kicking off a savings initiative just in time for the back-to-school season.

Now through September, P&G brands Olay, Pringles, PUR, Tampax, Tide and Luvs will present specially marked packages with money-saving coupons. Coupons' values range from $2 to $55, and when combined can add up to $90 of savings.

Every three months, P&G said it will add more brands to the in-pack coupon savings offering.