Today French Connection launched “YouTique” to its YouTube channel featuring a series of stylist videos giving users expert advice on such topics as, How to Look Cool on Casual Friday, and How to Sparkle at a Wedding.  Stylist Louise Roe curates and talks through items and accessories from the retailer’s latest collection. Despite the gimmicky name, “YouTique” is a great example of a burgeoning shift in how brands need to behave to provide value to consumers.

With the evolution of e-commerce into a sophisticated shopping experience, retail marketers are using content as a tool to provide a deeper level of service and in turn engagement.

This week Google’s got something to say in Times Square and Netflix has a hard lock on the category Hulu Plus and others are entering (access to Hulu Plus is currently by invitation only).

Google Campaign to Build Up Its Display Ads NYTimes 09.21.10

Why Netflix Has Already Won the Digital TV/Video War AdAge 09.23.10

“HBO is an advertising-free channel,” said Doug Ellin, creator of HBO’s Entourage in an interview for the New York Post last month. While we all know that HBO does not run traditional advertising spots, nor accept any money in exchange for product placement/integration, one thing is for sure — HBO is not free of valuable product exposure.

This week Mattel has us searching for the “Great American Boyfriend” and we learn that 38% of US online consumers “Like” a brand on Facebook.

Mattel Planning Big Web Series Push For Barbie’s Beau Ken TubeFilter 09.16.10

Understanding How and Why Facebook Users Interact with Brands Mashable 09.16.10

This week diapers make you laugh (thanks to Huggies) and Samsung bets a “Cute Girl…” with a catchy dance can sell the world, rather the “Galaxy”.

Huggies Sees the Funny Side of Parenting in U.K. AdAge 09.02.10

Samsung Goes Viral for Galaxy Brand Channel 09.09.10