52. RFID in retail

Item-level tagging of products is one of retail’s many Holy Grails; it has certainly been the center of both hope and speculation for years now, and the desire…

Turning retail into a game

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

"Entertainment shopping" can be fun for shoppers and profitable for retailers, but it can also ignite controversy.

Mobile Monday: Overstock.com

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A clever scratch-off feature isn't enough to salvage this thin offering.

Ten retail IT predictions for 2010

At the heart of the coming year is a focus on the "new shopper."

53. High-tech dressing rooms

Dressing rooms are critical to the customer experience, as purchasing decisions may be made or broken by a customer’s perception of herself in an outfit.

Vigix rolling out vending kiosks

by Christopher Hall — writer, self

The company is confident the system it is calling the "first true vending kiosk" will be a showstopper.

54. Multichannel integration

The average customer may not be able to articulate the concept, but he wants it to be the case anyway: All facets of a retailer should be seamlessly…

The evolution of private labels at retail

Half of consumers now say they seek out private brands over traditional ones.

55. Palin/Obama and women’s fashion

The history-making 2008 presidential election made waves in the fashion world, too. Vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin turned heads with her rimless Kazuo…

56. Kroger

This regional supermarket chain is giving customers what they want — and what they can really use. According to The Washington Post, Americans redeem only …

Changing consumer mindsets call for new approaches

New trends in technology and social media allow grocers to create a differentiated shopping experience.

Opinion: Retailers, take back your shelves

A retail marketing expert argues for more differentiation, and less advertising, in the aisles.

Social media for retailers: Focus on Facebook

A study of 10,000 online shoppers reveals where retailers should focus their social media efforts.

Rethinking retail in the age of the grounded consumer

New research from a cultural anthropologist offers timely advice for retail.

Retailers can connect with mom shoppers online

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Time-crunched mothers head to the Web to meet their many unique needs – so online retailers need to be ready to serve them.

The customer experience checklist

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Forrester Research's customer experience guru shares an 8-step checklist for designing an experience and keeping it on track.

59. Barnes & Noble

Customer satisfaction is a priority for Barnes & Noble bookstores, and customers are taking notice. The retail store came out on top in the specialty store…

Six trends for in-store media in 2010

With global spending on technology products and services expected to grow 8.1 percent to more than $1.6 trillion, 2010 is likely to be a major year for…

60. Fear about gift-card balances

With all the anxiety surrounding the uncertain economy, here's something else to worry about: What happens to the money on a gift card if a store claims…

Redbox caves, agrees to 28-day delay with Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. and redbox agree to a 28-delay on new releases at the discount DVD-rental kiosks; redbox-parent Coinstar's shares close 50 cents higher.