ICSC predicts 4 percent rise in holiday retail revenue

October 9, 2014

Positive economic signals point to a stronger holiday shopping season as the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) forecasts a 4.0 percent increase…

Survey says U.S. consumers plan to spend more this holiday season

October 9, 2014

Holiday gift purchases expected to average $718; Consumer enthusiasm for Black Friday shopping hits eight-year peak.

When marketing to millennials, don't forget the basics

In planning for marketing to millennials at retail, there is still a commonality of experience that requires in-store merchandising not to lose sight of the…

Study says shoppers are abandoning mobile shopping carts due to poor customer care

October 8, 2014

New research from Contact Solutions shows that consumers have high expectations for retail care when shopping via mobile device, and if those expectations…

Moment.me launches tool for real-time aggregation of place-based social content

October 7, 2014

According to the company, business owners can simply input an address or the name of their establishment and Moment.me will aggregate all the content that has…

NRF forecasts holiday sales to increase 4.1 percent

October 7, 2014

Holiday sales on average have grown 2.9 percent over the past 10 years, including estimates for 2014, and are expected to represent approximately 19.2 percent…

Study charts 10 percent rise in shoppers who buy via mobile device

October 6, 2014

Since 2012, the incidence of shoppers using mobile devices to make purchases has increased from 25 percent to 35 percent.

Macy's omnichannel strategy: Moving engagement as well as sweaters

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Do bricks and mortar cost more than bytes and channels? For Macy's, the question may not matter as much as whether the two investments, combined, sell more…

Vera Bradley implements ShopperTrak for in-store analytics

October 3, 2014

A leading designer of women's handbags and accessories, luggage and travel items, eyewear, stationery and gifts, Vera Bradley has implemented ShopperTrak’s…

How mobile changes consumer behavior

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

When 82 percent of U.S. adults own smartphones, and 91 percent keep them with them at all times, a mobile strategy for retail becomes more important than ever.

Why you should solve customer problems, even when they're not your fault

by Shep Hyken — CAO, Shepard Presentations

Your store may not have created the problem, but it is still yours to solve.

Generation D and brand identity

A lot of companies across the globe are going to die over the next few years – not because of macroeconomic stress, but because there is an entire emerging…

Why back-to-school is still in play for retailers

The beginning of school does not mean the end of this seasonal retail rush.

Report says social media less important in the shopping process than two years ago

September 26, 2014

According to the report, compared to 2012, less importance is being placed on following retailers on social media, finding out about new products through…

Seven disruptive trends that will kill the 'dinosaurs of retail'

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

Retail evolution is speeding up, and it waits for no one.

The real secrets to creating a memorable customer experience

by Kristen Gramigna — Chief Marketing Officer, BluePay

Research points to a strong return on investment for creating positive and memorable customer experiences.

Gamification, digital coupon companies join forces

September 24, 2014

In their initial campaign, Dailybreak and RevTrax achieved results that were above key industry benchmarks, with 47 percent of consumers printing the coupon…

Forecast says retail holiday sales to increase 4 to 4.5 percent

September 24, 2014

Digital interactions expected to influence 50 percent of retail store sales; Non-store sales to rise 13.5 to 14 percent.

New guide caters to restaurateurs, retailers looking to boost income with ATMs

'How to Profit from ATMs: A Guide for Retailers and Restaurateurs' delivers 40 pages packed with essential information about the business of owning, operating…

Half of Americans plan to start online holiday shopping earlier this year

September 23, 2014

Overall, 70 percent of Americans consider shipping options to be an important factor in the shopping experience compared to 66 percent in 2013. Also, one-third…