GlobalShop: 'Consumerism has become activism'

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Envirosell's senior vice president shares research-based insights on the new American shopper.

Turning retail into a game

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

"Entertainment shopping" can be fun for shoppers and profitable for retailers, but it can also ignite controversy.

The evolution of private labels at retail

Half of consumers now say they seek out private brands over traditional ones.

Changing consumer mindsets call for new approaches

New trends in technology and social media allow grocers to create a differentiated shopping experience.

Rethinking retail in the age of the grounded consumer

New research from a cultural anthropologist offers timely advice for retail.

The pros and cons of concealing product prices online

Keeping the price tag somewhat hidden is part of a strategy by major brands to counter the Internet's tendency to drive prices down.

Why Generation Y isn't buying your products

A Gen-Y marketer offers three tips for reaching the most demanding, most technologically savvy demographic yet.

Benchmark in-store experiences to define, measure and boost results

Customer experience programs established in the first quarter can pay dividends year round.

The lost art of the loss leader

Traditional strategies for promotional discounting are being ignored, and retailers are losing revenue as a result.

Four ways to get online shoppers to contribute reviews

Most retail Web sites allow users to write product reviews, but building a vibrant community takes more than just the tools. A recent success story from Sears…

The 5 biggest retail customer experience stories of 2009

Faced with a tough economy and shaky consumer confidence, retailers innovated when it came to customer experience this year.

How discounting is hurting retailers

When retailers lower prices without asking customers to give up something in return, confusion results and sales are negatively impacted.

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.

Economic, H1N1 worries will impact holiday shopping behavior

The H1N1 flu virus is expected to impact retail sales on Black Friday and throughout Thanksgiving weekend, but perhaps the bigger concern for retailers is…

Five things any retailer can learn from Apple

While most retailers can't lean on Steve Jobs for help with reinvention, there are lessons that all can learn from the Apple/Disney partnership.

Barnes & Noble Nook raises questions about digital-only products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Technology has made it possible to deliver music, movies, books and more without a physical product. But is that good for shoppers or retailers?

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 3

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer-centric experience design is explored in this final installment of "Where's the Opportunity?"

Four strategies for a better retail holiday season

Retailers need to prepare for the upcoming season with carefully planned merchandise assortments, inventory levels and cross-channel promotions that drive…

Study: H1N1 flu could have a big impact on holiday retail

Nearly one in five consumers say their concern over the flu will cause them to avoid holiday shopping on traditionally busy days.

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.