Study: Brands more influential than price

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 4, 2009

Times may be tough, but that isn't stopping shoppers from buying the brands they prefer. That's the finding of a new study by the Grocery Manufacturers…

Borders announces in-stock guarantee for the holidays

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 2, 2009

Borders today announced its new "In-Stock Guarantee," which promises that if a customer's desired item cannot be found in-store, the company will ship it from…

Amazon PayPhrase lets shoppers make payments with words rather than numbers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 29, 2009

Amazon this week unveiled its PayPhrase service, which aims to make online purchasing quicker and easier both on its site and on other participating sites on…

ADT unveils pinless security tags that don't pierce merchandise

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 27, 2009

ADT Security Services announced the availability of its Sensormatic UltraLite PT, a pinless anti-shoplifting tag. The tag is designed to protect jeans…

Toys 'R' Us adding FAO Schwarz boutiques

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 26, 2009

FAO Schwarz, which was acquired by Toys "R" Us in May, today announced that it is opening branded boutiques in 585 Toys "R" Us locations. The company also…

Analyst: Retailers, be afraid of e-books

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 26, 2009

Barnes & Noble's recently announced that the $259 Nook e-book reader will undoubtedly drive short-term revenue, but the company may be shooting itself in…

Best Buy CEO: Low prices are 'table stakes' for retailers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 25, 2009

Customers care about low prices, but they want a lot more from their retailers than just the best deal.

Target's new return policy raises questions

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 25, 2009

The bloggers at Consumer Reports are having fun trying to figure out how Target's new return policy works. While they acknowledge that the changes represent a…

First Microsoft retail store could open next week

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 14, 2009

Next week is shaping up to be a big one for Microsoft: Not only is the company preparing to launch its Windows 7 operating system, but according to the Wall…

ISME 09: Bringing life to the point of purchase

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Making POP more interactive and engaging was a big focus in the event's exhibit hall.

Freakonomics co-author to speak at NRF 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Journalist Stephen Dubner has been added to the roster of "retail's big show," taking place this January in New York.

The Flaming Lips to open pop-up store for one day

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

Avant-garde rock band The Flaming Lips is going into the retail business, for exactly one day.

Amazon UK offering free shipping for the holidays

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

England-based Retail Week reports that Amazon UK is offering free shipping on all orders between now and Jan. 1, 2010.

Steve Jobs helping overhaul Disney Stores

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

It looks like some of the visionary thinking that went into the Apple Stores is being brought to the retail wing of the Magic Kingdom: The New York Times…

ISME: Design of the Times 2009 award winners announced

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

At this week's In-Store Marketing Expo, a panel of 100 experts picked the year's best retail marketing initiatives in 16 categories.

ISME 09: Upstart Play N Trade redesigns its experience, takes aim at GameStop

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Executives from the fastest-growing video game retailer shared details on their store redesign and emphasis on in-store events.

ISME 09: Seven tips for marketing to families during a recession

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A fundamental shift in consumer spending has led to new rules for marketing to moms, the "Chief Purchasing Officers" of the modern family.

Neiman Marcus gets frugal for the holidays

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 6, 2009

A retailer whose name is perhaps antithetical to the concept of frugality is getting a little bit thriftier with its 83rd annual gift catalog.

Retail Commission will share insights at ISME

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A team of 10 retailers will reveal best practices for shopper marketing at next week's In-Store Marketing Expo.

GNC opens new concept store

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 29, 2009

Health/nutrition retailer GNC has opened its new prototype store, which it says will serve as the template for future locations. The 3,000-square-foot store is…