New customer experience mapping software announced

September 12, 2012

Touchpoint Dashboard LLC announced yesterday the release of its customer journey mapping software that gives companies insight as to how customers interact and…

Retail Top 100 2012, No. 48: Publix

September 12, 2012

Self-service kiosks could be financial savior for Michigan city

September 12, 2012

Grand Rapids, Mich., joins the growing list of local governments utilizing self-service kiosks to provide easier and more cost-effective access to certain…

Why Costco discounts postage stamps ... and why it matters

by Micah Solomon — president, four aces inc

A good equation for value is as follows: Value = Personal Benefit minus Cost and Inconvenience. But the "personal benefit" variable can easily override the…

RFID pilot a success at Colombian electronics chain

September 11, 2012

Colombian electronics chain Grupo Éxito announced the results of its major pilot study that tested the effectiveness of RFID tags for tracking merchandise. 

Scan & Go puts retail self-checkout on the move

by Natalie Gagliordi — Editor of KioskMarketplace.com, Networld Media Group

Walmart puts mobile in charge by testing an iPhone application for self-checkout.

Charlotte Russe looks to MICROS-Retail to revamp retail strategy

September 11, 2012

MICROS-Retail, a division of MICROS Systems Inc., announced a partnership with Charlotte Russe as part of the retailer's move toward an omni-channel retail…

French company unveils 3D merchandising software

September 11, 2012

French technology company Dassault Systèmes announced today the launch of Perfect Shelf, a tool for retailers to use 3D modeling for realistic views of retail…

Microsoft plans holiday pop-up shops

September 11, 2012

Microsoft announced plans to launch pop-up retail spots at 32 locations, including New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Toronto. The temporary retail stores…

Toys R Us enters children's tablet market in time for holiday season

September 11, 2012

Toys R Us announced plans for next month's release of the company's own children's tablet computer, according to an article on WashingtonPost.com. 

Report: Retailers still conservative about investing in mobile

September 11, 2012

Retailers remain prudent in their financial investments when it comes to mobile objectives, showing tempered future plans for spending on mobile and tablet…

NRF going to court to block swipe fee lawsuit settlement

September 11, 2012

The National Retail Federation today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Federation to go to court to block the proposed $7.25 billion…

Fed policy hinders home sales

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

The Federal Reserve governors' decisions to keep mortgage rates artificially low are hindering new home sales. Sound crazy? Isn't it true that lower interest…

Samsung's stores missing a page from Apple's playbook

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

My grueling travel schedule does not permit me to get out and see retail stores in Seoul. But since South Korea is the home of Samsung, I thought it would be…

Retail Top 100 2012, No. 49: Dick's Sporting Goods

September 10, 2012

Penney tries to look boutique chic

September 7, 2012

J.C. Penney will attempt to break away from the sea of clothing racks that dominate most department stores and replace the layout with brand-focused groups.

RCE Podcast episode 10: A #Likeable social media chat with @DaveKerpen

We're taking a break from our usual format this week and next, so that we can bring you a few brief highlights from the third annual Retail Customer Experience…

Best Buy looks to improve employees as a way to boost sales

September 7, 2012

After a decline in sales and uneven store performances, Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly plans to put more focus on employee training, according to an article on…

Gender inequality may be decreasing for menswear

September 7, 2012

In perhaps what is one of the few gender wars won by women, retail is now trying to close the gap and offer fashion equality to men. 

Mystery shopping professional conference coming this fall

by Kimberly Nasief — President, Measure Consumer Perspectives

Mystery shopping agencies, companies and mystery shoppers from around the country will be in San Diego, California this October in order to attend one of the…