Consumers cutting back on New Year's Eve spend

December 20, 2021

When it comes to New Year's celebrations this year, two-thirds of Americans plan to spend less than when they rang in 2021, according to a WalletHub survey.

PetSmart offers Santa experience to pet owners

December 20, 2021

PetSmart is offering free pet photos with Santa this week, as well as running a Santa Photo Days contest on social media in which 30 pet owners have a chance…

Experts share e-commerce strategies for a successful 2022

by Pari Raccah — General Manager, GiftNow (Loop Commerce)

In the new year the keys to success for retailers include personalization, maintaining growth, boosting the customer journey and elevating e-gifting capability.

Hobby Lobby boosts minimum hourly wage

December 17, 2021

Come Jan. 1, 2022, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is increasing its minimum full-time hourly wage to $18.50.

Shoppers love in-store tech that boosts customer experience

December 17, 2021

Nearly half (47%) of shoppers welcome in-store technology if it enhances the customer experience and one that mimics the online experience.

Cyber Monday sales dip may reflect consumer trend

December 17, 2021

This holiday season's Cyber Monday sales didn't break any records given sales dipped 1.4%, but the day's consumer activity may reflect that consumers are…

Adopting a 'Zero Trust' Approach to Retail Data Security

Business systems have more ways of being attacked than ever. It’s critical to have a strategy that treats any access as potentially hostile.

Hughes cited a leader in managed SD-WAN services

December 16, 2021

Frost & Sullivan has recognized Hughes Network Systems, LLC as a leader in managed SD-WAN services for the third straight year.

Retail sales climb as consumers go holiday shopping

December 16, 2021

Consumer holiday shopping in November led to an increase of retail sales for the fourth consecutive month.

Super Saturday may not be as super with shoppers

December 16, 2021

Super Saturday, the last Saturday shopping day before Christmas, may not be as busy as 2020 as the National Retail Federation predicts a slight drop in…

Neiman Marcus mulling corporate shake up

December 15, 2021

Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus is reportedly looking at possibly dividing the company into three specific business units, disconnecting its online store from…

Lowe’s sales dip as consumers pull back on home projects

December 15, 2021

The big boom in home improvement retail, mainly due to consumers focusing on home projects during the pandemic, may be cooling off.

Hudson installs Amazon palm recognition at Dallas Love Field Airport

December 15, 2021

Hudson Group, a travel experience leader with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, has…

BP stores to deploy checkout-free technology

December 14, 2021

Shoppers will scan their app at a device on their way out. BP PLC, the U.K. based global fuel station convenience store operator, will deploy…

Entrepreneur launches pet supply vending business

December 14, 2021

Betty Crump, an alumnus of North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina, has launched a pet supply vending machine business, Betty's Unique…

COVID recovery strategy means driving retail customer loyalty

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

COVID-19 and now the variant omicron continue to create challenges when it comes to the retail customer experience. But data, deep insight and loyalty…

Luxury brand showcases hand bag in vending machine

December 14, 2021

Jacquemus, a French luxury brand, introduced pink vending machines to showcase its new "Le Bambino Long" bag. The machines allow customers to buy the bag 24/7…

Retailers ask lawmakers to help stop smash-and-grab crime incidents

December 13, 2021

Top retail leaders, including those from CVS, Target, Dollar General and Best Buy, are calling on Congress to stop the increasing rash of smash-and-grab…

NYS mask mandate goes into effect today

December 13, 2021

Shoppers going into stores, restaurants or any type of business in New York State are now required to mask up or present proof of COVID-19 vaccination starting…

Key challenges, opportunities facing retailers this holiday season

by Fang Cheng — Founder and CEO, Linc

Retailers that go above and beyond to meet the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of the 2021 holiday season will reap the customer loyalty…