Pepsi Throwback

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

The cola wars are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating categories to watch in marketing - probably ever since the '80s.

Why Self-Checkout Lanes Are Increasingly Getting Checked-off

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

About a decade ago, retailers demanded greater profits – leading to the roll-out of the self-checkout lanes. The introduction of self-checkout lanes was viewed…

Avoiding your Napster Moment

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

In a previous post I talked about how companies are often blind-sided by what I call Napster moments. Napster moments are radical, game-changing innovations…

Stock Up on Customer Engagement

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

It might not be a miracle, but Macy’s may reach a 34th milestone by Christmas.

How Early is Too Early?

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Retail analysts indicate that back-to-school (“BTS”) sales are getting earlier this year – and probably the earliest ever. The National Retail Federation…

Safeway Borrows a Page from the Travel Industry

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

We’ve known for a while that Safeway, North America’s second largest grocery chain, has been on the right track when it comes to the Enterprise Loyalty…

You know your brand stinks when the government adds regulations

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

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued new rules for the airline industry including price disclosures and cash penalties for a variety of airline…

You have got to hit the customer

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

No, not literally! Although while hitting customers would obviously be bad for business, it would give you a chance to build a relationship with Bubba the Bail…

Help the front line right the wrong

by Jeanne Bliss — Founder, CustomerBliss

Alma Rettew bought a holiday gift for a friend, and asked L.L. Bean, whom she bought it from, to get it to her friend on a specific date (the company has a…

No teller of loyalty

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Got a surprising piece of news in the mail recently from my bank. Effective July 1, it said, I will no longer be able to earn reward points on purchases made…

Foursquare and American Express

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

I think a new day may just be beginning for location-based social media. Late last week Foursquare announced a new partnership with American Express…

US Airways suing for lower prices

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

A recent Miami Herald headline - "US Airways sues Sabre over pricing." According to the article US Airways isn't the only airline, American has a suit pending…

Always Wired: Why Retailers Should Offer Free Wi-Fi In-Store

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Mobile devices are the nexis of consumer purchasing power, as they now give consumers the ability to comparison shop, purchase, and share likes/dislikes from…

The Beauty of Soft Benefits

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

You can't sell a Rolex like a Ram Truck

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

More and more brands are opening their own retail outlets in an effort to make their brand stand out. But more importantly to control their image.

Taking search right to the shelf

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

If you’ve ever searched for a product on your mobile device that you wanted to find and buy right away, you know what you mostly get back are a mix of results…

MUJI, the 'unbrand'

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

I find this recent import from Japan to be an interesting retail branding story.

Thumping the sales slump

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

Just about any store or person hits a sales slump sometime in the year. Some slumps last a day, some last a couple days, and some last an excruciating amount…

Bloomsday Breakfast at Bryant Park creates buzz for Ireland

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

NEW YORK — With all of the less-than-happy stories in the news, how do you brand a country, create community involvement, and make people happy?

When all else fails, buy your competitor?

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

Is AT&T's proposed purchase of T-Mobile good strategy? Or another form of denial?