ven though we hear that the recession is turning the corner, layoffs are expected to continue for several more months says the ADP.

That reflects in spending trends and many retail stores in malls are feeling the pinch.   One mall management company is turning to social media to drive traffic to their properties. Each participating mall will begin using Facebook and Twitter to share “insider” information about little-known sales at retailers, impromptu events and other valuable information that they hope will promote mall traffic,  even during the economic downturn.

It could certainly work.  A recent study showed that companies that engaged in social media did better financially last year than those who didn’t.  Dell was one of the top companies on that list and they made over $3 million in sales right off a Twitter Feed.

Being in constant touch with your customers and feeding them ‘insider information’ is a successful strategy online.  The results of this campaign during the Back to School and Holiday 2009 seasons will be interesting to track.

Do you have a social media strategy for the rest of this year?

Image credit: Rowens 27