I'm not sure where they were as far as number of fans before their current promotions, but now they are currently at 1,735,541 fans. That is a pretty large number, but considering they are the biggest and baddest retail giant there is, I thought they should have a fan base to match. So I compared their page with other big chain retailers: Target, Kohl's, and Victoria's Secret Pink.
It turns out. Victoria's Secret Pink had the most with an astonishing 5.5 million fans, next came in Kohl's with 2.7 millions, and Target with 1.9 million. That leaves Wal Mart in last, but not that far behind Target.
So why is the big man on campus last? Considering its market share it should be number one on the leaderboard easy. There are two potential reasons I see.
Number one. I don't know many people, personally, who particularly like to shop at Wal Mart. They do it because it's convenient and cheap. It's crowded, noisy, can take forever to check out, and I can't remember the last time I saw a friendly face behind the counter (that's why I started using self check out). I wouldn't expect for there to be many "fans" of Wal Mart, based on all the complaints I hear from their customers.
Number two. It's facebook page is just a bunch of advertisements. I guess at least 1.7 million people like it, but there really is nothing special about it. One of the last few ads was
Walmart We love a simple grilled cheese and Campbell's Tomato soup on cool day. Try adding a jar of chunky salsa to liven up your soup.
tinyurl.com
Shop Low Prices on: Campbell's: Tomato Soup, 26 Oz : Canned Goods & Soups
Well 1,173 people though it was an amazing idea. I guess Wal Mart has some loyal followers. Then there was:
Walmart Get in the Halloween mood tonight. Rent a scary movie and pick up a Marketside 12” pizza for $5 for movie night. What’s your favorite scary movie?
I don't find that all too fascinating but 484 others did.
If you look at Target's page, they are offering special deals and coupon codes to redeem online. The latest was,"
Target SAVINGS ALERT! 15% off furniture at Target.com - use coupon code EMFURN25. Offer good through 10/12. http://bit.ly/ac9NMD
bit.ly
Shop furniture at Target. Choose from a variety of chairs, upholstered chairs, desks, bookcases, dining sets, headboards. Receive free shipping on select items over $50.
They include updates on news stories, promotions, and contests, and has a lot more substance. Now let's look at Kohl's.
Kohl's has done an AMAZING job on its facebook page. The first comment I saw on its page was a negative one, and they had responded in less than 30 minutes to his comment. I scrolled down further and there was another from a woman complaining about spammers.
Gina McNulty Why doesn't Kohl's page admin Block these people wanting me to join their "hot society"..... ever see that word "HIDE" or how about a good ol "DELETE". Very annoying to those that are scoping out the deals at Kohls. Every post has one attached to it... watch after I post mine.... slick spammer. C'mon Kohls' giddy up, get on it.
They responded right away and offered her a discount as reparation from the looks of it. The best thing about their page was the personal approach. I felt like they really cared and valued feedback. They responded to just about everyone's comments on their page. Both good and bad.
Victoria's Secret PINK. The winner!! What do they do that's so great? Its focus seems to be news releases on goings on with the company. It does have several advertisements for special deals and promotions, but it offers several updates on what is going on with the company.
Victoria's Secret Pink Over 10,000 WVU students attended our Gold & Blue Bash with PINK model Chanel Iman and a live performance by Drake!
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Victoria's Secret Pink Introducing PINK’s Style U: Game Day Style Spotter! See fashion from real girls on your campus. Join PINK Nation to add your favorite look to the mix at http://bit.ly/StyleU
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In order to get full use out of it's facebook page it needs to do something other than advertise soup and frozen pizza. Try showing everyone what Wal Mart is doing in local communities. How it is helping out. Start some fun contests, offer some special deals for facebook fans, show that you really care about customer service like you say you do. Come on Wal Mart, do something! Somebody poke it with a stick and see if it moves.
I think Wal*Mart is last for once in their lives and it feels GOOD!!! Just kidding, but seriously, why does one of the biggest stores in the world just now jumping on the Facebook and social media band wagon? I think you have made some excellent points!! Thank you for researching this because I ran in Wal*Mart the other day and found myself staring at the back of my receipt as well.
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