With reports citing that 78 percent of all shoppers use the Internet to research and make purchasing decisions, Southfield-based Mars Advertising Inc. is upping its game by teaming with a digital creative agency to expand its shopper marketing efforts through digital platforms including search, social, and e-commerce.

Through a new partnership, Mars and Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Nomadic Agency will focus on projects like retail-specific shopper solutions that benefit from digital extension and campaigns that require integration with retailer digital platforms. As part of the effort, eight employees will be hired and will work at Mars, and will be supported by the Scottsdale office.