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?"    

Smart retailers fight walk-aways at the checkout

An average of 1.6 percent of customers leaves the checkout queue — and the store — without completing a purchase.

ISME 09: Bringing life to the point of purchase

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Making POP more interactive and engaging was a big focus in the event's exhibit hall.

Freakonomics co-author to speak at NRF 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Journalist Stephen Dubner has been added to the roster of "retail's big show," taking place this January in New York.

ISME: Design of the Times 2009 award winners announced

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

At this week's In-Store Marketing Expo, a panel of 100 experts picked the year's best retail marketing initiatives in 16 categories.

ISME 09: Upstart Play N Trade redesigns its experience, takes aim at GameStop

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Executives from the fastest-growing video game retailer shared details on their store redesign and emphasis on in-store events.

ISME 09: Seven tips for marketing to families during a recession

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A fundamental shift in consumer spending has led to new rules for marketing to moms, the "Chief Purchasing Officers" of the modern family.

Retailing of a different color

by Troy Carroll — CEO, Intava

Customers are coming to expect more personalization and choice, and retailers need to be able to accomodate them.  

Top 10 brand and marketing trends for 2010

A new definition of value, growing consumer expectations among the things brands and retailers will need to watch for.

Retail Commission will share insights at ISME

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A team of 10 retailers will reveal best practices for shopper marketing at next week's In-Store Marketing Expo.

Cirque du Soleil reinvents its retail shop

The entertainment company recognized an opportunity to expand its performance experience into the concession and retail shop, creating a marketplace truly in…

RetailWire Discussion: Brands not connecting with women through social media

A new study finds that three out of four women who engage with brands via social networking sites say they are not influenced to purchase based on what they…