AM Inbox: Opening the book on Iraq

RetailEmail.Blogspot monitors the email marketing campaigns of more than 100 of the top online retailers. Here are highlights from our inbox this morning:

AbeBooks, 4/17 — The Avid Reader: The New York Antiquarian Book Fair, Lost Classics & Reading in Iraq
The subject line doesn’t play it up as much, but the rest of the newsletter certainly put their Reading in Iraq feature front and center. Iraq is certainly topical, and folks are definitely curious about what our soldiers are doing. Of course, you don’t want to seem exploitive, but I don’t think AbeBooks crosses the line in this case. It’s a bold play to be relevant.

I was also happy to see that AbeBooks broke up the items in its Highlights section. To see what they looked like before, check out this March 22 AM Inbox. I still think it could use some bullets to better delineate the different items, but breaking them up is certainly a big improvement.



Gloss, 4/17 — Get Carried Away: 8 DAYS, 8 DIFFERENT BAGS + FREE SHIPPING
I’ve seen plenty of free bag giveaways, but this is interesting in that Gloss is giving away a different kind of bag each day. It builds some suspense while simultaneously providing variety.



Gap, 4/17 — Day to Night Looks You'll Love
Last month I flagged a March 19 email from Target because it used white text on a background that was nearly white, making the text nearly unreadable. This time, it’s Gap putting white pants on a white background. Not a particularly flattering way of showing off the product.



SUBJECTIVITY SCANNER:
RedEnvelope, 4/17 — Mom deserves some bling.
Spiegel, 4/17 — What to Wear to A Wedding: Reception-Ready Looks for that Special Day!
MLB, 4/17 — A fitting tribute to #42 [promoting its Jackie Robinson collection]
Sports Authority, 4/17 — Free Shipping on Select Bikes!
JC Whitney, 4/17 — Traveling with Pets
Banana Republic, 4/17 — Summer's best shorts + save on tops now
Alloy, 4/17 — summer's best casual pants, starting at $26.50
Macy’s, 4/17 — Save 25-40% on hot summer styles from your favorite brands!
Hanna Andersson, 4/17 — First Time Summer Markdowns For Girls: 20-40% Off
NFLshop, 4/17 — Spring Fever Fashion - NFL Crocs, Golf & Draft Gear
Wal-Mart, 4/17 — Dine and Unwind Outdoors
Lands’ End, 4/17 — New Picot-trimmed Tanks in every size, from 2 for $25