Microsoft opens new Retail Experience Center

The fully functional store environment will serve as an incubator for customer experience ideas and technologies.

NRF: Outgoing Wal-Mart CEO stresses opportunity

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

H. Lee Scott, Jr. emphasizes an upcoming period of opportunity for both the nation and the retail industry.

Shoppers willing to pay more for products they can touch

A new study suggests that consumer desire for a product is intensified at the moment of first contact.

NRF preps the Customer Experience Pavilion

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

This year's Big Show to emphasize real-world tools for shaping the customer experience.

Store traffic reporting - are new tools needed?

Commentator Judy Hopelain says retail traffic numbers are conflicting, and possibly part of a "massive undercount."

Photo gallery: The retail windows of Christmas 2008

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The retail window display is a fixture of holiday merchandising, and nobody does it better than New York City.

Retailers open shop in Second Life

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Just in time for last-minute shopping, Canada Post sets up virtual stores where shoppers can buy real products.

Grocery stores stepping into the financial services world

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Recent additions to Kroger's financial services product line see the company moving into territory traditionally dominated by banks.

Wincor Nixdorf U.S. CEO: retail will grow

by Tracy Kitten — Editor, AMC

This year will mark the first Wincor World for U.S. chief executive Patrick Wright, who has already taken steps to help build the company's strength with…

Italian supermarket giant installs electronic shelf labels

SISA installing "epop" displays in 15 locations before Christmas.

DIY ethic spells opportunity for independents

Customers looking to save money can be a boon for independent hardware stores, if they tap into the DIY zeitgeist.

Five ways to reduce product returns

When customers return products, look to the source to find out why and put a stop to it.

Online retailer profits from personalizing its outbound marketing

A specialty e-tailer moves 100 units in five off-peak hours with a single email. Personalizing the online experience has never been more powerful.

Consumer desire driving green retail IT

Shoppers increasingly value transparency, sustainability when making buying decisions.

What's in store for malls, formats

Retailers and brands experiment with new store formats.

Retail bringing layaway back to life

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Layaway making a comeback, thanks to a tightening credit market.

Marketing show heavy on innovation

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Fresh ideas from the In-Store Marketing Expo in Las Vegas.

Five things shoppers will do this holiday

A tough economy is impacting shopper plans and behaviors.

The cautionary lessons of Circuit City

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A reminder of the importance of great employees.

Self-checkout adds human touch

In-person assistance combines with self-service convenience.