Meijer GiftCracker site lets users anonymously research holiday wants

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

December 2, 2009

Midwestern supercenter operator Meijer has done some innovative work online this year, such as its express grocery pickup program. For the holidays, Meijer…

Escalate announces next-gen cross-channel retail platform

December 2, 2009

Escalate Retail has announced the latest version of its cross-channel commerce platform, which unifies processes for multiple retail channels. The tool allows…

Report: Consumer definition of value is changing

December 2, 2009

The shopper experience study underway by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research reveals that electronics and department stores continue to see the largest…

Radio Shack's wireless initiative is impressive, but can it boost sales?

December 1, 2009

Radio Shack is sprucing up its product lineup just in time for the holidays, and the company is putting its new moniker, "The Shack," into full swing, says…

Google tracks Black Friday trends

December 1, 2009

The search terms "Black Friday" and "Black Friday Sales" were up more than 20 percent and 50 percent, respectively, on a year-over-year basis, says Google.

Cyber Monday spending shifts to early mornings, evenings, less shopping at work

November 30, 2009

Retailers who were expecting strong Cyber Monday sales over shoppers' lunch hour may have been disappointed when those sales were softer than expected, but…

Retailers tackle 2010 with technology

Retailers are seeking technologies that do for any product category what mannequins do for apparel—show the customer how to bring many items together into a…

Blockbuster Express kiosks coming to Manhattan Duane Reade locations

November 30, 2009

NCR Corp. today announced the deployment of its Blockbuster Express DVD-rental kiosks in 200 Duane Reade drugstore locations in Manhattan. The kiosks offer DVD…

Black Friday verdict: Number of shoppers up, average spending down

A National Retail Federation survey conducted over the weekend confirms the expected: more people spent less.

Number of Americans to shop on Cyber Monday nears 100 million

November 29, 2009

As online retailers put the finishing touches on Cyber Monday promotions, the number of people who plan to shop on the Monday after Thanksgiving may surpass…

The changing face of Black Friday

The weekend after Thanksgiving remains the biggest shopping event of the year, but the reasons customers pack the stores are changing.

Mall Networks partners with SoundBite Communications to deliver mobile marketing for CyberMonday.com

November 24, 2009

Mall Networks has announced a partnership whereby SoundBite Communications Inc. will power the mobile marketing offers for CyberMonday.com. CyberMonday.com is…

Walmart, Amazon stir up holiday price war

November 24, 2009

The New York Times reports this morning that Walmart might have met its adversary, at least price-wise. Amazon and Walmart are waging an online price war on…

eBay opens first pop-up store

November 24, 2009

Home Textiles Today reports this week that eBay has opened its first pop-up store, a 5,500-square-foot shop on 57th St. in Manhattan. The store allows users to…

Cartoon Network launches build-your-own-DVD tool

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 22, 2009

Cartoon Network last week added a new feature to its Adult Swim Retail Shop: an interactive tool that allows users to build a custom DVD from a pool of…

Report: Consumers in a frugal holiday mood

November 22, 2009

U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $390 on Christmas gifts this holiday season, down from last year's estimate of $418, The Conference Board…

Smilebox adds direct-to-store printing at Walmart, Sam's Club

November 22, 2009

Smilebox, a Washington-based company that lets consumers create photos, DVDs and other products from their digital media, announced that its users can now…

Retailers ramping up Cyber Monday promotions

November 22, 2009

Holiday shoppers looking for bargains aren't likely to be disappointed when they learn what retailers have planned for Cyber Monday. According to Shop.org's…

Sports Authority chain launches 'Wii Fit Experience'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

November 22, 2009

For the first time, video game giant Nintendo has partnered with a major sports retailer. Last week, Sports Authority began launch of its "Wii Fit Experience,…

Shifting retailers respond to new 'season of discontent'

Smart retailers are combating the tough times with an organizational shift to a customer-centric focus.