Moving past the showroom challenge: The beauty of Sephora's customer-centric approach

by Jeannie Walters — Chief Customer Experience Investigator, 360Connext

Many retailers have been spending a lot of time and energy battling showrooming.

Cellum trials object-recognition function for mobile purchases

September 3, 2013

Seeking to take greater advantage of smartphone technology, Cellum Global Corp., a provider of mobile payment solutions, is working on a new solution that may…

Should marketers trust their gut or their data?

According to a recent study, 80 percent of marketers are making decisions based on their gut instincts.

Upcoming Amazon program turns paperbacks into e-books

September 3, 2013

Amazon will soon allow owners of paperback books (purchased via Amazon between 1995 and now) to purchase the e-book version of the title for $2.99 or less.

Target to roll out BOPS service in time for Black Friday

September 3, 2013

The buy online, pick up in-store trend continues to gain momentum, with Target joining Walmart and Best Buy on the growing list of retailers looking to beef up…

NRF issues statement on employee strikes

August 29, 2013

Responding to today's low-wage retail workers strike (or "planned labor action" according to some), impacting chains such as Walmart, Macy's, Sears and Dollar…

LEGO launches social hub for release of latest robotics platform

August 29, 2013

Proof that LEGOs are not solely for child's play: The building block company announced today that it has launched a social media hub in anticipation of the…

Retailer loyalty programs copycat airline industry

August 29, 2013

Retailers may be crafting their loyalty programs to reflect the airline industry — with elite levels and extra perks for shoppers who spend the most money…

Shopify launches POS for online, in-store integration (Video)

August 29, 2013

The e-commerce platform Shopify today released a POS system designed to simplify the transition between selling in-store and online.

Measurement is necessary, but not sufficient to produce change

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Every once in a while you need to be "gobsmacked." I think I first used the British slang gobsmacked in a 2010 blog, and I've been waiting for an appropriate…

Meijer clips double coupons from rewards inventory

August 28, 2013

The Meijer chain of supermarkets ended its practice of doubling coupon values, instead expanding the digital coupons provided through the chain's mPerks…

Commentary: The showrooming myth

The "false paradigm of showrooming" will only distract retailers from the real task at hand.

OfficeMax opens 'store of the future' in Chicago

August 28, 2013

OfficeMax Inc. has announced the opening of its first Chicago-area OfficeMax Business Solutions Center — the retailer's new store format designed to provide…

Customer loyalty: Woody Allen vs. your local ATM

by Micah Solomon — president, four aces inc

In my years as a customer service consultant, I've yet to hear a customer blurt out anything that sounds like this:

AT&T talks customer experience at RCEES

Amanda Collins, Customer Experience Manager for AT&T flagship store in Chicago, gave a presentation at this year's Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit…

PCI DSS 3.0 changes focus on risks, simplify compliance

New requirements focus on mitigating some of the most frequently seen risks that have led to data compromise.

Best Buy's new look

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

A little over a year ago I had the worst buying experience I’ve ever had at my local Best Buy store. I thought that the two associates in front of me were…

Has the Apple Store lost its uniqueness?

Apple's third quarter earnings dipped slightly, the first decline since 2009.

NRF puts focus back on benefits of retail jobs

August 27, 2013

As wage discontent still looms over the retail and foodservice industries, brands from both sectors have begun fighting back with PR campaigns aimed at…

Sears seeks retail innovation from Silicon Valley

August 27, 2013

Sears is showing the retail world that it's serious in its efforts for a technology turnaround. The retailer announced today the winners of its Startup …