Socially responsible retailing from Walmart and Patagonia

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

Patagonia has long had the reputation of being a socially responsible company. Walmart not so much. But this week, I think they're telling a similar story.

Pricing news vs. media theater

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

It seems that news media feel that they have a God-given right, if not a responsibility, to add even more anxiety to our already fragile psyches. The media…

Walgreens lawsuit highlights the need for common sense in managing employees

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Expect some serious backlash against Walgreens when this story goes viral: Josefina Hernandez was an 18-year employee of the retailer, at the company's South…

Aloha Petroleum opens new c-store prototype

Aloha Petroleum, Ltd., the Hawaii-based gas retailer and convenience store operator, has unveiled the first "ground-up" version of a new prototype design for…

Top 100: 5. Digital products

Despite the explosion of digital distribution of music, books, games, movies and software, retail sales are still very much a thriving part of the mix.

Three tactics for reducing shopping cart abandonment

Shipping-to-value ratio, critical price points have a big impact on why online shoppers back out of a purchase.

Demandware unveils new open commerce APIs

September 11, 2011

Demandware Inc., a provider of on-demand ecommerce, has announced its new Open Commerce APIs that are designed to empower its clients and partners to quickly…

Toys R Us adds family and friends pick-up to online store

September 11, 2011

Toys R Us, which operates 870 retail stores and an e-commerce website, has expanded the capabilities of its "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" program. Shoppers at…

Lowe's putting iPhones in the hands of 42,000 store associates

September 11, 2011

Bloomberg reports that Lowe's is reacting to Home Depot's move last year which put Motorola mobile devices in its employees' hands – by handing out iPhones to…

Sony of Canada unveils new experiential store design

September 11, 2011

Sony of Canada has announced the grand opening of the first newly branded "SONY" store in Canada, which offers an exciting new concept, design and customer…

The future of product innovation for retailers

Data assets that didn't exist ten years ago are changing the innovation game.

Creating the ultimate customer experience

Using retail store design to attract customers and transform the shopping experience. In this broadcast, Gensler design firm shares its visioning approach.

Top 100: 6. Mobile coupons

Mobile coupons are becoming increasingly important to retailers, rising from No. 48 on the 2010 Top 100 Retail Movers & Shakers list.

Starmount releases version 2.0 of its mobile POS

September 8, 2011

Austin, Texas-based Starmount, a provider of software for the retail space, announced today it has released Starmount Engage 2.0, an update to its Starmount…

Why adding on may be costing you sales

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

Most specialty retailers whose staff is sales-focused emphasize add-ons. When done well, this approach can slightly increase a store's average sale, but I…

What is a mobile payment? [Infographic]

There's a surprising amount of misinformation and confusion being sown about mobile payments. (Even by well-meaning news organizations and reputable tech…

Top 100: 7. Amazon

Amazon dropped from No. 3 on the 2010 list, but still remains a strong player in the retail world.

Consumers ready, but merchants see complications with mobile payments

by James Wester — Editor 1, Mobile Payments Today

As mobile payments develop, consumers may be ready, but some merchants see headaches and costs.

Joe Pine to kick off CETW with keynote address: Driving Customer Engagement through Digital Experiences

September 7, 2011

In the seminal work "The Experience Economy," B. Joseph Pine II identified a seismic shift in the business world: To set yourself apart from your competition…

Top 100: 8. Deal of the day

Jumping from No. 74 on the 2010 Top 100 Retail Movers & Shakers list, deals of the day are a significant part of the retail experience.