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.

CETW2011: Turning a kiosk into a mini retail store

Retailers can create a store in only 2 feet of space.

Social shopping: Are we there yet?

Retailers are increasingly turning to social media, but how many have realized its potential?

Why is lululemon athletica quoting Ayn Rand?

by James Bickers

The yoga retailer's blog and shopping bags have recently extolled the "Bible of the Tea Party."

Coinstar's new TV ads focus on no-fee gift cards

Campaign invites shoppers to experience "pure bliss" when they trade in their change for a variety of retail gift cards without giving Coinstar a cut.

Survey: Consumers trying more fashion retailers in 2011

Thirty-two percent tried a new fashion retailer in the past 90 days, up from 14 percent in 2010.

Survey: Grocery shoppers maintain or increase spending, look for more value, service

Consumer spending on groceries has increased in the past three months, but consumers are expecting more from their stores.

CETW11: How to design a kiosk consumers will use

Manufacturers and deployers discussed the proper way for a kiosk to function.

CETW11: Digital experiences create 'multiverse' of customer engagement

by Christopher Hall

A business strategist looks at how digital technologies expand the three dimensions to expand engagement opportunities.

CETW11: 3 ways self-service enhances the customer experience

Attendees learned about three successful self-service deployments.

Report: Mobile device retail traffic will more than double this November

Fifteen percent of people logging onto a retailer's Web site are expected to do so through a mobile device.

Robotic kiosk taking self-service to next level

Company testing ice cream in its new kiosk that uses a robot to makes five-layer concoctions.