The recent emergence of Pinterest onto the online scene may profoundly change the way brands engage with consumers. The website, which, according to Forbes, is now the third most popular social network behind Twitter, is a user-curated service that allows users to “pin” images they like to create their own boards. Easy-to-use and with a visually pleasing interface that features high-quality photos, Pinterest is becoming more popular each day.

Our very own Laura Davis-Taylor, SVP and Managing Director for ShopWork, the shopper marketing practice at BBDO, was recently selected to be one of the 12 industry experts in a special publication called 2012 Outlook Guide: What Are The Key Retail Trends To Watch in 2012?

A decade ago, for the consumer looking to acquire the latest fashion label or product, the allure of the local shopping mall was irressitible. Today, however, the age of renting is upon us. Smart consumers are trading the value of ownership for convenience of affordable multiusage arrangements, with the help of the World Wide Web.

The most successful advertising campaigns of our era unquestionably have the capability of capturing the hearts, minds and wallets of consumers everywhere. Yet, it’s a commonly accepted notion that the average Tivo-equipped consumer will fast forward through commercial breaks without hesitation and that consumers, by and large, try to avoid the barrage of commercial messages their flooded with everyday. Why then are a new crop of products not only counting on consumers wanting to be exposed to ads, but also wanting to interact with them and save them for later?