Why Self-Checkout Lanes Are Increasingly Getting Checked-off

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

About a decade ago, retailers demanded greater profits – leading to the roll-out of the self-checkout lanes. The introduction of self-checkout lanes was viewed…

Top 100: 30. iTunes

Although the new logo replacing the old CD imagery with a bulbous double-clef note in a blue circle may have received the most immediate attention when version…

It's alive! Google Wallet gets turned on

July 7, 2011

According to the site SprintFeed, citing an internal memo from SprintNextel Corp., Google's Nexus S 4G smartphone on the Sprint wireless network is set to get…

See the 'Virtual Assistant' in action (Video)

by Christopher Hall

The Virtual Assistant deployed at Duane Reade in New York had a predecessor at a UK airport. See her greet passengers here.

SingTel flagship store sets the bar for an interactive retail experience

July 7, 2011

Asian communications giant SingTel and digital self-service specialist Yeahpoint have announced the opening of the new flagship SingTel retail store at…

Avoiding your Napster Moment

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

In a previous post I talked about how companies are often blind-sided by what I call Napster moments. Napster moments are radical, game-changing innovations…

Stock Up on Customer Engagement

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

It might not be a miracle, but Macy’s may reach a 34th milestone by Christmas.

How Early is Too Early?

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Retail analysts indicate that back-to-school (“BTS”) sales are getting earlier this year – and probably the earliest ever. The National Retail Federation…

Safeway Borrows a Page from the Travel Industry

by Sharon Goldman — Senior Director, COLLOQUY

We’ve known for a while that Safeway, North America’s second largest grocery chain, has been on the right track when it comes to the Enterprise Loyalty…

Top 100: 31. Loyalty programs

John Bartold, vice president of loyalty solutions at Epsilon, sees one sure indication that the U.S. economy remains in slow recovery: Loyalty cards are…

Consumer study offers insights into the U.S. gift card market

More consumers are reloading open- and closed-loop cards, which can mean more visits and a greater spend.

Is self-checkout in danger of checking out?

by Christopher Hall — w, t

Troubling news from Albertsons and Kroger is raising concerns about the future of self-checkout.

Muzak extends partnership with Sports Authority

July 6, 2011

Muzak, a Mood Media company and provider of sensory branding services for business in North America, announced today that it has signed a new agreement with…

NIKE, Hurley and Converse open third Salvation retail store

July 6, 2011

According to a Business Wire story on MarketWatch.com, Nike continues to make retailing inroads into the youth-oriented action sport and culture market with…

Duane Reade introduces 'Virtual Assistant'

July 6, 2011

Shoppers entering the flagship Duane Reade drugstore in Manhattan, New York, will now be greeted by the retail industry's first "virtual assistant." As…

NetWorld Alliance publishes introductory guide to self-service and kiosk usability

July 6, 2011

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – NetWorld Alliance, publisher of Kiosk Marketplace and other B-to-B news and information portals, has published "Executive Briefing…

You know your brand stinks when the government adds regulations

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

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued new rules for the airline industry including price disclosures and cash penalties for a variety of airline…

Transaction Wireless secures patent for social gifting tech for Facebook

July 5, 2011

Transaction Wireless, a provider of multi-channel digital gift card and integrated marketing solutions, announced today that it has been granted a United…

No clear winners in wake of Durbin Amendment final rule

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Both sides claim the consumer will bear the burden.

Top 100: 33. Behavioral targeting

The constant deluge of user-generated content churned out by users of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube is nothing less than a behavioral marketer's dream come…