Local is good, but fresh is better

An industry expert examines which buzzwords resonate best with customers.  

Hugo Boss uses interactive digital signage to launch perfume

Hugo Boss has used gesture control advertising supplied by Trinanda Media to install motion-responsive interactive advertising signs in four São Paulo retail…

Advance Auto Parts revs up multichannel shopping experience

October 20, 2009

TMC reports that Advance Auto Parts has launched a new commerce solution from IBM and CrossView to connect online and contact center sales channels with retail…

Tesco opens Britain's first all self-checkout store

October 20, 2009

The Daily Mail reports that Tesco has opened Britain's first store equipped solely with self-checkout units. The Tesco Express in King's Langley, Northampton…

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 2

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Empowering front-line employees is looked at in part two of a three-part series called "Where's the Opportunity?"  

Microsoft re-enters retail along with launch of Windows 7

October 19, 2009

PlayNetwork acquires Channel M

October 19, 2009

PlayNetwork today announced its intent to acquire Channel M, a producer of customized in-store TV networks. The newly combined entity will be branded…

Ebay working to keep up with customer experience expectations

October 18, 2009

AdAge reports this morning that Ebay has tasked itself with keeping up with online retail sites like Amazon and Zappos, and much of that reorganizing will be…

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer choices in a recession are looked at in part of a three-part series called "Where's the Opportunity?"    

NRF 2010: Top retailers and analysts come together to benefit the Retail Orphan Initiative

October 15, 2009

NASHVILLE — NRF 2010, "Retail's Big Show," officially kicks off on Sunday, Jan. 10, but one of the hottest tickets at the show is a one-of-a-kind retail…

Smart retailers fight walk-aways at the checkout

An average of 1.6 percent of customers leaves the checkout queue — and the store — without completing a purchase.

ISME 09: SuperImaging window ad demo

At the 2009 In-Store Marketing Expo, SuperImaging demonstrated storefront window advertising that uses laser projectors. The demo was built for Apple…

First Microsoft retail store could open next week

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 14, 2009

Next week is shaping up to be a big one for Microsoft: Not only is the company preparing to launch its Windows 7 operating system, but according to the Wall…

ISME 09: Bringing life to the point of purchase

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Making POP more interactive and engaging was a big focus in the event's exhibit hall.

September retail sales see modest increases thanks to weather, late back-to-school sales

October 13, 2009

Consumers opened up their wallets last month to treat themselves to new Fall apparel and other discretionary purchases, helping September retail sales see…

Freakonomics co-author to speak at NRF 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Journalist Stephen Dubner has been added to the roster of "retail's big show," taking place this January in New York.

Cisco augmented reality used in retail fitting rooms

A demo of new technology from Cisco that allows shoppers to try on clothes via augmented reality, all enabled by interactive digital signage.

The Flaming Lips to open pop-up store for one day

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

Avant-garde rock band The Flaming Lips is going into the retail business, for exactly one day.

Amazon UK offering free shipping for the holidays

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

England-based Retail Week reports that Amazon UK is offering free shipping on all orders between now and Jan. 1, 2010.

Steve Jobs helping overhaul Disney Stores

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 12, 2009

It looks like some of the visionary thinking that went into the Apple Stores is being brought to the retail wing of the Magic Kingdom: The New York Times…