Danger: Strong Economy Ahead

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

Is the recovering economy a blessing, or a potential minefield for retailers?Most business owners are breathing a sigh of relief; they're emerging alive and…

Top 100: 57. Aldi

Rather than trying to dazzle sensory-overloaded consumers with even more choices, the discount no-frills grocery chain has built a global empire by offering…

Report: Consumer price transparency threatens localized retail prices

April 14, 2011

According to Benzinga.com, RSR Research, an analyst firm providing market intelligence on retail technology trends, released its latest report, "Optimizing…

Brookstone announces QR code program plans

April 14, 2011

According to DDI.com, Brookstone Inc. has announced plans for a new Quick Response (QR) code program in 30 New York-area stores. Once scanned, the codes offer…

Best Buy announces plans to double web sales

April 14, 2011

Best Buy Co. Inc. has announced plans to double its annual web sales to $4 billion within five years. Those plans include opening more stores selling mobile…

Kiosks help Target increase video game sales (video)

Target has deployed in-store kiosks to give shoppers detailed information on video game products.

Rise of the thrift store shopper provides steady growth in resale industry

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Are shoppers willing to sacrifice customer experience, service for bargains?

Webinar: Optimizing HR and payroll effectiveness

April 14, 2011

Kronos Inc., a leader in workforce management solutions, is sponsoring a free webinar entitled “Strategies for Optimizing HR and Payroll Effectiveness” on…

Touchscreens help Target take aim at video games (Video)

Target has deployed endcap touchscreens to give shoppers detailed information on video game products.

In Canada, loyalty a good aim for Target’s bullseye

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

It looks like Canada is not only going to bring home the bacon for Target Corp., but chances are it will deliver some loyalty, as well.

Top 100: 58. Barnes & Noble

Just weeks prior to a Forrester Research report that U.S. sales of digital books had skyrocketed 220 percent from the previous year’s total of $301 million…

Commentary: Top 5 reasons retailers deploy digital signage at the POS

The head of a firm specializing in retail digital signage lists the top reasons for deploying signage at the point of sale.

Sears announces plans to expand beauty department

April 12, 2011

According to DDI.com, Sears Holdings Corp. has announced plans to expand its beauty departments in more than 100 Sears locations and online.

Office Depot to downsize stores

April 12, 2011

According to South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel, Boca Raton-based Office Depot is planning a remodeling effort that will reduce the size of its stores nationwide.

Aldeasa unveils first walk-through travel retail store in Spain

April 12, 2011

According to MoodieReport.com, Aldeasa, an airport retail operator, has unveiled its new travel retail store “The Shop” at the Alicante Airport in Spain. It is…

NRF: March retail sales indicate confident, but cautious, consumer

April 12, 2011

According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales in March increased across the board for the ninth straight month. For March, retail industry sales…

Top 100: 60. Nike

Once seen as the paragon of corporate autocracy, Nike got its open-source groove on this year, inviting skaters at its Laguna Beach storefront to customize…

Top 100: 59. Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed, Bath & Beyond weathered the worst of the recession, posting a 4.4 percent increase in same-store sales for 2009 while the industry as a whole…

Research: Half of Americans with mobile phones using them to shop

Users are comparing prices, reading reviews, downloading coupons and making purchases on their phones.

Retail industry lobbyists in Indiana push for online sales tax

April 11, 2011

According to The Chicago Tribune, retail industry lobbyists in Indiana are trying to get state lawmakers to pass an online sales tax provision that they claim…