According to a study by Fleishman-Hillard, retail purchases are influenced by social media. The survey, which surveyed 700 US- based mothers, revealed that social media affects their in-store shopping experience. Overall, 84% of the mothers surveyed said they use Facebook to engage with brands, while 69% said they used blogs to engage with brands, and 63% said they used other online communities to engage with brands. Furthermore, 63% of mothers surveyed said blogger reviews influenced their purchase decisions, while 48% said they were following a brand on Twitter.

The first Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival winners were announced on Tuesday at the first of four Awards Ceremonies taking place during the Festival week in France. The Promo & Activation Grand Prix and the PR Grand Prix went to TBWACHIATDAY LA in the USA, with assistance from Paragon Marketing Group and Fleishman-Hillard, for their entry ‘Replay’ to promote the energy drink Gatorade.