Managing Electricity Costs with Kiosks and Metering

Self-service technolopgy, in combination with a smart grid, can change the utility purchase model.

J.C. Penney unveils two new brands

November 11, 2010

J.C. Penney Co. has launched the Growth Brands, a division that will pursue high-potential opportunities in the retail sector. Growth Brands' initiatives will…

3-D screen aims to catch eyes, sell chips at Circle K

ProVision 3D says its advertising system will expand to several large merchants next year.

Video: Simbioz gesture-recognition digital signage at CETW

by Christopher Hall — w, t

Montreal-based Simbioz showed off its "touchless interactivity" tech on the show floor.

Sears, Kmart unveil Facebook e-gift program for holidays

November 10, 2010

Giving the gift of a Sears or Kmart gift card has gone social as the retailers announced the introduction of eGifting on Facebook. The new Sears and Kmart…

Three-quarters of consumers plan to shop on Black Friday

Nearly two-thirds plan to make online purchases on Cyber Monday.

Target Marketing Hits Home With CoupSmart

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Marketers spend a lot of money tracking what we buy so they can tailor promotions to our specific needs. Now, we consumers can take that tracking into our…

Sheetz launches branded rewards debit card

November 9, 2010

Sheetz, one of the fastest growing, family-owned convenience stores in the world, with more than 380 locations across six states, is now offering customers a…

Demographic differences surface in holiday shopping survey

Two-thirds of consumers say their financial situation is the same or better compared to this time last year.

Bling Nation brings mobile payments to regional grocery chain

November 9, 2010

Bling Nation has announced that Brookshire Grocery Co., one of the largest regional grocery chains operating in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, is bringing…

Digby, Invodo partnership brings e-commerce video to smartphones

November 9, 2010

Invodo, a full-service e-commerce video partner for online retailers, and mobile commerce provider Digby announced that they have formed a partnership.

Kenneth Cole launches 'digital wish list'

November 9, 2010

Kenneth Cole is celebrating this holiday season with his "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR" campaign, kicking off the brand's first ever digital "Wish List" and…

CETW: Target exec hits the bullseye with CETWorld keynote

by Christopher Hall — w, t

Christopher Borek detailed Target's 8-point strategy for connecting with shoppers.

NRF releases crowd management guidelines as Black Friday nears

November 8, 2010

With preparations for the holiday season already set in motion, retailers' attention now turns to preparing their staff and store for what is expected to be…

Tango Card launches mobile gift card platform

November 8, 2010

Tango Card has announced the launch of a new approach to giving and getting gift cards. In addition to its free web and iPhone platform for organizing cards…

The five online commerce features that create loyalty

Product images, speedy search among the most desired features for online shoppers.

Black Friday: Great strategy or sheer folly?

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

Retailers have decided to move Black Friday, the day they begin their heavy holiday season discounts, up a month. Typically Black Friday is the day after…

1-800-CONTACTS at Walmart

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

The store within a store concept is not a new one. Just look at Ralph Lauren at any of the major department stores. That brand creates its own unique…

Walgreens outlines strategy to analysts

November 4, 2010

Walgreen Co. announced that it will update its strategy to be America's first choice for health and daily living needs, and review the substantial progress in…

Rumors of the Death of Aspirational Shopping Are Greatly Exaggerated

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

The goal of aspirational brands is to allow us to feel better about ourselves. That’s what we have always done. And always will do.