Facebook continues to develop unexpected relationships and new opportunities for marketers. In talking to parents this holiday season, I’ve heard from an unprecedented number of parents who received their child’s Christmas gift list through a Facebook post. Now we recognize that many children are reluctant to “friend” family members, particularly parents on Facebook and Twitter but how interesting that they are turning to this medium to share their gift requests. Parents are coming in with Facebook updates and showing them to sales associates with pictures of items to be purchased.

Facebook continues to develop unexpected relationships and new opportunities for marketers. In talking to parents this holiday season, I’ve heard from an unprecedented number of parents who received their child’s Christmas gift list through a Facebook post. Now we recognize that many children are reluctant to “friend” family members, particularly parents on Facebook and Twitter but how interesting that they are turning to this medium to share their gift requests. Parents are coming in with Facebook updates and showing them to sales associates with pictures of items to be purchased. Not only are consumers telling companies what they want; we’re using social media to tell each other about our purchase preferences.

In addition, I’ve seen an increasing number of people bring digital gift cards and certificates into retail stores. I haven’t seen cash register scanners easily read the barcode on these certificates, unlike the powerful airport check in scanners, but entering the number works and it’s paperless! Maybe retailers need a bigger demand to upgrade their terminals to accommodate this growing segment of consumers.

The mobile movement continues to change our lives daily and empowers consumers and gives marketers opportunities to change the nature of business. Share you stories with us here and hang on as Rudolph takes off for his annual journey. Finally, be sure to copy Santa on that Facebook post.

Happy Holidays one and all!