New tech lets retailers give head-to-toe virtual makeovers

Application lets shoppers see how they will look in specific outfits and makeup configurations.

A lesson in customer service

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

I just got a text the other day that many of us hope never happens: the guy who has cut my hair for years is leaving the salon. Oh no!

Enhanced customer service increases retail sales

by Laurel Tielis — Author and Professional Speaker, Laurel Tielis & Associates

The best thing you can say about the economy, is that it's shaky. Prices are up for everything–from groceries to gasoline. The unemployed are looking for…

The 2011 holiday outlook for specialty stores

by Doug Fleener — President and Managing Partner, Dynamic Experiences Group, LLC

With Black Friday less than two months away, it's time to take a look at this year's holiday predictions. Here are some recent headlines about the upcoming…

Macy's heard it on the radio

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

If Macy's isn't carrying enough of your size, it isn't for lack of trying.

Whole Foods in Napa installs folding glass walls

At the new Whole Foods Market in Napa, the design team's goal was to create a warm, intimate, inviting, natural, indoor/outdoor environment. The use of…

Starbucks plugs up electricity for some

Some stores are covering electrical outlets, to discourage lengthy laptop visits.

OfficeMax joins up with Google Wallet

October 2, 2011

The Google Wallet continues to add merchants to its stable of partners. Today, office supply store OfficeMax Inc. announced it has launched new checkout…

Google opens its first bricks-and-mortar shop

October 2, 2011

The dominant player in search now has an in-store presence: The Register reports that the first Google Shop has opened, on Tottenham Court Road in London.

AT&T opens new high-tech store in Chicago

October 2, 2011

AT&T has announced the opening of a high-tech retail store in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. According to the company, the store offers a unique way for…

How data-driven creative is transforming the customer-retailer relationship

Data-driven insights are creating a new language for retailers and marketers to deliver personalization.

T-Mobile's new store design

T-Mobile is unveiling a new look in nearly 400 stores across the country. The new format is designed to make shoppers feel more comfortable and simplify the…

Makeovers go virtual

Modiface has debuted technology that allows head-to-toe makeovers via in-store kiosks, mobile phones or tablets.

Gilbarco gas pumps to greet customers by name, offer personalized promotions

September 28, 2011

Convenience store cashiers may not remember their customers by name or recall their favorite soft drinks, but fuel dispensers soon will — thanks to the…

Mattress retailer Sleepy's selects Mood Media for in-store music and messaging

September 28, 2011

Mood Media Corporation, an in-store media specialist, has won a contract to supply mattress retailer Sleepy's with in-store music and messaging for more than…

T-Mobile USA unveils new store design

September 28, 2011

Today T-Mobile USA Inc. announced the rollout of a new global design for nearly 400 new and remodeled stores across the country. According to the company…

The six incorrect reports you will hear about holiday retail – again

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Fruitcakes aren't the only things that reappear, stale, each holiday season.

You should stop issuing coupons. Here's why.

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

Megan McArdle, in her May 11, 2011 article, "Discriminatory Pricing," in The Atlantic, suggests that coupons are simply a way to distinguish between markets…

Northwoods Software delivers web-based planogram solution

September 27, 2011

Northwoods Software announced that it has delivered Hillman Planogrammer Version 1.0 to The Hillman Group Inc. Hillman Planogrammer is a web-based planogram…

Best Buy announces its plans for 2011 holiday season

September 27, 2011

Best Buy has launched its holiday season by announcing a collection of offers that delivers what people say they want most from a retailer: competitively…