Shifting retailers respond to new 'season of discontent'

Smart retailers are combating the tough times with an organizational shift to a customer-centric focus.

Economic, H1N1 worries will impact holiday shopping behavior

The H1N1 flu virus is expected to impact retail sales on Black Friday and throughout Thanksgiving weekend, but perhaps the bigger concern for retailers is…

Training for unit-level success for holiday 2009

Products may be set, but people can improve. Here are four practical ways retailers can leverage front-line employees this holiday season.

94. IBM 93. Dollar Tree 92. Borders

94. IBM

First look: Inside the Microsoft retail store

A visit to the first Microsoft store reveals that comparisons to Apple are like apples and oranges.

E-tail Clinic: BestBuy.com

The electronics retailer's site has properly integrated in-store pickup, but less-than-relevant cross-sell intelligence.

97. Gap 96. Safeway 95. Macy's

97. Gap

Five things any retailer can learn from Apple

While most retailers can't lean on Steve Jobs for help with reinvention, there are lessons that all can learn from the Apple/Disney partnership.

The Digital Signage Show: Inside Target's digital signage network

Target's interactive media team reveals some success factors of the company's Channel Red in-store digital media network.

Barnes & Noble Nook raises questions about digital-only products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Technology has made it possible to deliver music, movies, books and more without a physical product. But is that good for shoppers or retailers?

Webinar reveals key future trends for digital signage

Report and webinar focused on growth, predicted spend and applications planned for the next two years.

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 3

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer-centric experience design is explored in this final installment of "Where's the Opportunity?"

100. Cloud computing 99. Talbots 98. Directional audio

100. Cloud computing

Four strategies for a better retail holiday season

Retailers need to prepare for the upcoming season with carefully planned merchandise assortments, inventory levels and cross-channel promotions that drive…

Are retailers under-valuing the importance of fitting rooms?

The most important conversion area — and at the same time the least serviced area — in apparel retail is the fitting room.

Study: H1N1 flu could have a big impact on holiday retail

Nearly one in five consumers say their concern over the flu will cause them to avoid holiday shopping on traditionally busy days.

The 'peak-end' rule: Can it transform your customer experience?

The "peak-end" rule says that if you take a moment to understand a concept, you have an opportunity to reevaluate and transform — an idea most retailers could…

Local is good, but fresh is better

An industry expert examines which buzzwords resonate best with customers.  

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 2

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Empowering front-line employees is looked at in part two of a three-part series called "Where's the Opportunity?"  

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer choices in a recession are looked at in part of a three-part series called "Where's the Opportunity?"