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…

Considerations When Placing a POS System

The point of sale is the last interaction a customer will have in the store. Having a cluttered, crowded system can leave a lasting negative impression.

Study: H1N1 flu could have a big impact on holiday retail

Nearly one in five consumers say their concern over the flu will cause them to avoid holiday shopping on traditionally busy days.

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…

The 'peak-end' rule: Can it transform your customer experience?

The "peak-end" rule says that if you take a moment to understand a concept, you have an opportunity to reevaluate and transform — an idea most retailers could…

Hugo Boss uses gesture-based digital signage to launch new perfume

October 21, 2009

Hugo Boss has used gesture-control advertising supplied by Trinanda Media to install motion-responsive, interactive advertising signs in four São Paulo…

Local is good, but fresh is better

An industry expert examines which buzzwords resonate best with customers.  

Hugo Boss uses interactive digital signage to launch perfume

Hugo Boss has used gesture control advertising supplied by Trinanda Media to install motion-responsive interactive advertising signs in four São Paulo retail…

Advance Auto Parts revs up multichannel shopping experience

October 20, 2009

TMC reports that Advance Auto Parts has launched a new commerce solution from IBM and CrossView to connect online and contact center sales channels with retail…

Tesco opens Britain's first all self-checkout store

October 20, 2009

The Daily Mail reports that Tesco has opened Britain's first store equipped solely with self-checkout units. The Tesco Express in King's Langley, Northampton…

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 2

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Empowering front-line employees is looked at in part two of a three-part series called "Where's the Opportunity?"  

Microsoft re-enters retail along with launch of Windows 7

October 19, 2009

PlayNetwork acquires Channel M

October 19, 2009

PlayNetwork today announced its intent to acquire Channel M, a producer of customized in-store TV networks. The newly combined entity will be branded…

Ebay working to keep up with customer experience expectations

October 18, 2009

AdAge reports this morning that Ebay has tasked itself with keeping up with online retail sites like Amazon and Zappos, and much of that reorganizing will be…

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer choices in a recession are looked at in part of a three-part series called "Where's the Opportunity?"    

NRF 2010: Top retailers and analysts come together to benefit the Retail Orphan Initiative

October 15, 2009

NASHVILLE — NRF 2010, "Retail's Big Show," officially kicks off on Sunday, Jan. 10, but one of the hottest tickets at the show is a one-of-a-kind retail…

Smart retailers fight walk-aways at the checkout

An average of 1.6 percent of customers leaves the checkout queue — and the store — without completing a purchase.

ISME 09: SuperImaging window ad demo

At the 2009 In-Store Marketing Expo, SuperImaging demonstrated storefront window advertising that uses laser projectors. The demo was built for Apple…

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…