Talbots: Neither here nor there

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

A few years ago, I had a skirt hemmed because the salesperson remarked that the original hem was “neither here nor there.”  Fortunately, the store’s in-house…

Recalling a solution

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

The giant meat supplier Cargill has just delivered 36 million more reasons why we should buy our perishable foods from local farmers. And that can make…

Closing the sale: Moving from transactions to 'thank you'

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

The customer decision-making process never ends with the actual sale. Too many retailers fail to recognize the importance and immediacy of the final step in…

And they think they won?

by Dale Furtwengler — President, Furtwengler & Associates, P.C.

In a June 3, 2011 article in Booz & Co's strategy + business entitled "A Sweet Victory," Reed Holden and Mark Burton highlight Hershey's victory over…

Zappo's Tony Hsieh on The Colbert Report

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

In case you missed it: Zappo's CEO Tony Hsieh appeared as the interview guest on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" the other night, discussing his…

New Wrinkle in the Advertising World

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Cosmetics companies have given a new meaning to the term “beauty before age,” and it’s gotten them the old heave-ho in Britain.

Three ways to make your training more effective

by Doug Fleener — President and Managing Partner, Dynamic Experiences Group, LLC

Whether you're a trainer for a company, or an executive, owner, or manager who is responsible for getting their employees trained, here are three ways to make…

Deceptive pricing

by Dale Furtwengler — President, Furtwengler & Associates, P.C.

"I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

How Fromagination is the Big Cheese in Wisconsin

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Fromagination has a passion for artisan cheese and perfect companions. Named a 2011 Outstanding Retailer by the National Association for the Specialty Food…

Walmart Joins the Data-ing Game

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Just how many bags of Tootsie Pops does Walmart sell every year? Soon, the world may know.

How Apple can beat the fake Apple Stores

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

In today's New York Times, Nick Bilton writes about fake Apple stores selling real Apple products popping up. He notes that the "store design and employees are…

Traditions build customer loyalty

by Peggy Carlaw — VP, Impact Learning Systems

Over the weekend, I went on a trip to my favorite vacation spot: Family Camp. This is a little spot nestled in the forest of the Sierras right outside…

What can we learn from Scottish farmers?

by Dale Furtwengler — President, Furtwengler & Associates, P.C.

A recent BBC South Scotland News article stated that "Farmers across Scotland are being urged to attend a series of meetings to outline proposals for a new…

Three ways you are frustrating your customers

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

A buddy of mine named Matt heard about a big electronics store that was closing. He wanted to finally get a flat screen TV, but he and his wife were nervous…

Not So Pretty in Pink

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Customer experience: Southern hospitality at its finest

by Peggy Carlaw — VP, Impact Learning Systems

I live in the happiest place in America. No, it's not Disneyland, it's San Luis Obispo, California. At times, it feels like I'm in a small southern town where…

Walmart gas discounts: Will they change the fuel incentive landscape?

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

That value isn’t necessarily derived from lower prices — though, of course, price is a strong loyalty motivator for consumers. As a giant retail leader that…

Making your retail business social in 2012

by Lynn Switanowski — President, Creative Business Consulting Group

People around the world are using social media for many reasons. They are meeting long lost relatives or high school classmates on social media sites…

Stop marketing already!

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

We live in an age George Jetson would consider futuristic (sans the flying cars, of course). We have pushbutton everything. Pushbotton marketing, pushbutton…

Connect with charities to brand and build your business

by Laurel Tielis — Author and Professional Speaker, Laurel Tielis & Associates

Whether it's in your business or your personal life, you can't have too many friends. A great way for all businesses to create friendships is by teaming up…