How FTD lost a customer for life

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

My heart sank yesterday morning when I went to check my Facebook feed and saw this message from a friend:

Packstream seizes the 'ultimate marketing touchpoint'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Software company helps retailers customize their packaging with one-to-one marketing messages.

Zappos takes the high road once again, bites a $1.6 million bullet

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

For some companies, a mistake is an opportunity to shirk responsibilities and start passing blame around (*cough* BP *cough* Transocean), but for others, it is…

The difference between customer experience and customer service

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

"Customer experience" remains a nebulous term for many people, akin to when Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart admitted that he couldn't define what made…

Four lessons to learn from the success of Miracle Mile Shops

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The Vegas shopping destination has posted double-digit growth for four consecutive months. Here's how.

Coming soon: Explore retail shops through Google Maps

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Google has quietly announced that it is going to allow businesses to add location photos to their Place Pages, accessible through search and Google Maps.Seems…

The return of the Target-only credit card

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

It's a move that is understandable from a financial standpoint but questionable from a customer satisfaction one: As we reported Tuesday, Target is…

Retail e-mails: Treading the fine line between marketing and spam

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A retailer's opt-in list is one of its most valuable assets, but reaching out to it too often can result in brand backlash.

"Heroes" star gets into the mobile retail world

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Greg Grunberg's Yowza app makes it easy for retailers to offer mobile coupons.

Redbox hints at unlimited streaming media plan

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

April 6, 2010

If a recent survey sent out by DVD kiosk operator redbox is any indication, the company is thinking about getting into the streaming media business. High-Def…

Whole Foods to stop accepting checks

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

OnMilwaukee.com reports that Whole Foods is about to take away several payment options.

GlobalShop 2010 roundup

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

This year's GlobalShop event in Las Vegas was well-attended, well-staffed and full of great insights. Here's a quick recap of some of the stories we brought…

Seven strategies for effective digital signage content

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Bill Gerba, CEO of Wirespring, shared a wealth of real-world experience in an information-packed session at GlobalShop.

GlobalShop: OfficeMax on visual merchandising

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The office supply giant talks product development, store design and using personas to understand the customer.

Executive roundtable: HP on retail in 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Two top-level executives with HP discuss what retailers need to focus on in the coming years.

GlobalShop: DOOH measurement essential for reaching customers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Harris executive lays out the tools and techniques for connecting with an on-the-go, 'catch-me-if-you-can' audience.

Old Navy is going under the knife. Can the creepy mannequins go, please?

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Old Navy is about to undergo a pretty dramatic makeover. Seven stores in Georgia are going to get the facelift…

GlobalShop: Walmart on the return of retail architecture

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Walmart's architectural manager explains how new store designs can combat the "not in my back yard" effect.

OMA Award winners announced

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

March 14, 2010

POPAI announced the winners of its 2010 Outstanding Marketing at Retail Achievement (OMA) Awards at last week's GlobalShop event. According to the company, OMA…

GlobalShop: 'Consumerism has become activism'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Envirosell's senior vice president shares research-based insights on the new American shopper.