NRF12: 'This Is Retail' video contest unveiled

"We're on a hunt to find the best retail stories in America," says NRF CEO Matthew Shay.

Retailers: Out-of-stocks drive nearly half your customers to competitors' stores

Nearly a third of U.S. shoppers found empty shelves this holiday season.

NRF12: Day One launch news round-up

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Highlights from a very busy opening day for "Retail's BIG Show," which saw a heavy emphasis on mobile POS.

NRF12: Using mobile technology to reach teen employees

Aeropostale implemented mobile apps to help manage and communicate with employees.

NRF: Holiday retail sales rose 4.1 percent

After a season full of peaks and valleys, retailers' 2011 holiday sales beat expectations.

President Clinton, new technologies headed to NRF 2012

More than 22,000 attendees will explore the latest technologies to help improve their customer experience.

Vending machine 2.0 serves up snacks and personalized digital signage ads (Video)

by Christopher Hall — w, t

A digital signage advertising and vending kiosk uses Intel's AIMS analytics to target ads and offerings to consumers.

Re-assuring the assurance factor: Why smiles and happy faces aren't enough

When providing customer service, courtesy is not a substitute for competence and skill.

What is 'knock your socks off customer service'?

Research finds that it costs five times more to attract a new customer than it does to keep one you already have.

Small surf shop plans to overtake competitors with technology

Florida's Friction is using Apple's FaceTime, social media and QR codes to compete with major retailers in the industry.

PayPal tests new NFC mobile payment app

by James Wester — Editor 1, Mobile Payments Today

The company is launching a pilot program using NFC technology to enable in-store purchases.

Parents playing with the idea of Netflix-style toy rental

Is toy rental by mail a fad, or is it here to stay?

New study is first to test the actual impact of branded apps on consumers

Research found that mobile applications can stimulate interest in new product categories.

Five ways digital marketing can improve loyalty programs

In too many cases, new digital channels and a retailer's loyalty program are disconnected.

Tracking customers via cell phones: Good marketing or privacy invasion?

Two malls halted testing the new technology after a U.S. senator said it invades consumer privacy.

Best Buy Canada launches self-branded DVD kiosks

The retail giant is testing the market to see if there's room for another DVD kiosk option.

M-commerce sales shoot up as more consumers buy via mobile

Sales will nearly double this year and more than quadruple again by 2015, report says.

IBM online retail survey shows healthy m-commerce growth on Cyber Monday

Study shows impact of tablets, mobile operating systems on m-commerce.

Shaping the customer experience with digital signage

by James Bickers

The goal is two-fold: accomplish the task at hand, and make the customer feel good about how it was accomplished.

PayPal announces monster increase in its m-payment volume on Thanksgiving/Black Friday

by James Wester — Editor 1, Mobile Payments Today

Payment processor releases data on consumers' mobile payment trends over holiday weekend.