3 ways to ensure a loyalty program pays off

Retailers need to be convenient, responsive and memorable. At every touchpoint, we should strive to answer the question "how is this helping shoppers out?"

The simple solution for retailers: Be channel agnostic

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Consumer journeys are neither the same, nor consistent. The term omnichannel is becoming ubiquitous. However, it may be one of the most misunderstood terms in…

If you are not at the table, you’re on the menu

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Omnichannel is not an option … it's a question of survival.

The empathic enterprise: What are your balance points?

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Key questions for winning by staying human in a digital age.

Why your app isn't appealing to your customer base

Not all apps are created equal, and consumers don't have the patience to wait while you to get it right.

7 reasons why traditional retailers are struggling

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Traditional retailers' legacy of store success is their biggest challenge.

Merchants chase Uber for a better mobile customer experience

by Will Hernandez — Editor, NetWorld Media Group

It's no surprise the ride-sharing service comes up a lot during discussions about personalization and customer interaction. That was a topic of conversation…

So long Siri ... Hello Alexa ... Goodbye privacy?

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

It seems our lives are now filled with sexy sounding digital assistants all competing to serve us. The allure of the new digital assistants is that they are…

10 'Big Ideas' from ICX Summit 2016

by Christopher Hall — w, t

Take a run through this Top 10 list of some of the most thought-provoking and attention-grabbing ideas highlighted at the recent Interactive Customer…

J. Crewsing into CEO branding: What Mickey Drexler can learn from Loblaw, REI

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

In his personal letter to shoppers, J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler appears to be backing his brand promise with a personal promise. But if he wants to be a branded…

Data deals: 9 little-known but highly profitable retail insights

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

The combination of customer insights available today produces clearer understanding than ever. These nine "“gee whiz"insights should cause grocery retailers to…

Top 5 values of customer counting

Analyzing the flux between the number of shoppers and transactions provides possible explanations as to why people enter stores with an intent, or openness, to…

Forgoing clicks and betting on bricks: What's the story?

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

NYC-based Story and the five ways it beats e-tailers.

How Target's in-store clinics are reinventing retail wellness

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Target's new in-store wellness sections, called Connected Health, enable shoppers to track personal health information on handheld devices.

5 signs you're in a relationship with the consumer … or not

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

The most important 'sale' made every day is building relationships.

The Internet of Things to come: How Nespresso, Apple, Nest grind out predictability

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

The adaptation of digital technology across products, from clothing to coffee, is slowly reshaping what today's consumers expect from brands and their retail…

5 things retailers must do to make IoT not about "things"

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Retail is doing a horrible job with IoT because it's not about things at all.

Most missed CX opportunity and 5 ways to capitalize on it

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Research shows watching others has a huge impact on conversion.

A beautiful find: How 2 grocers stock relevance through sustainability

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

The issue of sustainability in the supermarket aisle is no longer a question. It is the answer to retaining relevance among earth-conscious consumers.

4 secrets of customer loyalty from successful retailers

Think about the large retailers who are struggling: Sears, JC Penney, Aeropostale and many others. But it's not the merchandise, locations or prices prompting…