Five ways to raise your retail associates' conversion rate

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Brick and mortar retail stores face the daunting challenge of getting their retail associates to convert customers who are lookers into ones who are buyers.

Why retailers must embrace the Relationship Era

Indifference is expensive. Hostility is unaffordable. Trust is priceless.

Forrester predicts an e-commerce boom

March 13, 2013

E-commerce is expected to increase 13 percent to $262 billion this year, according to technology and market research firm Forrester.

Learning from Oprah's roller coaster ride

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

Tanya Young Williams offers great insights into Oprah Winfrey’s recovery after a near disastrous start of OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Whether they’re accurate…

With Glass, Google searches for place in retail

The headsets allow users to access information through a heads up display. 

Study finds racial differences in mobile aptitude

March 11, 2013

Black consumers 18 and older are more mobile-minded than the general population and appear to be on the leading edge of engagement when it comes to using their…

The five ways retailers can beat showrooming

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

The term "showrooming" is the new buzzword in the dictionary of retail. It refers to the act of consumers literally shopping on their smartphones while in the…

Target drops Shops, focuses on design partnerships

March 11, 2013

Target has decided to close the door on Shops. According to an article on startribune.com, the Minneapolis-based retailer said it has no plans to bring back…

Rent The Runway, the 'Netflix for fashion,' secures more funding

March 11, 2013

Rent The Runway, the website that lets users rent designer clothes, accessories and jewelry, has secured an additional $4.4 million in funding, bringing the…

Health-centric retailers thriving

March 7, 2013

As many Americans get serious about living a healthier lifestyle, more stores are popping up and thriving that cater to the health-conscious market. According…

Survey crowns Nordstrom as most-favored retail chain

March 6, 2013

Nordstrom is the nation's favorite fashion retail chain, according to an annual consumer study conducted by Market Force Information. The upscale department…

Looking for love? Try Walmart

March 6, 2013

Walmart has built a reputation as a place where the less style-conscious can shop in their pajamas (or some other, far worse faux pas). But a recent study by…

The future of self-service in retail

As the definition of self-service broadens, so too are its applications for retail.

Study finds consumers lack interest in same-day delivery

March 5, 2013

Retailers can scale back their efforts to offer same-day delivery to online customers. A new study from The Boston Consulting Group found that free delivery…

Study finds retail wins big with wedding registries

March 4, 2013

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Notre Dame, there is a symbiotic relationship between retail and matrimony. Not only is the total…

TrendSource releases results from consumer insight study

March 1, 2013

TrendSource released findings from its two-part consumer insights research study that it said aims to help retailers keep pace with omnichannel consumers. The…

How to apologize to customers without alienating employees

by Micah Solomon — president, four aces inc

In customer service, the key to an effective apology is to convey to the customer at the outset that you’re willing to take his side and share his viewpoint. 

Xtreme Labs releases report card on retailer apps

February 28, 2013

Xtreme Labs, a mobile strategy and solutions company, released its Retail Apps Report, which details how consumers rate the top U.S. retailers' iOS and Android…

Making a 'value play'

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

My wife and I were in an electronics store. Neither of us are big on electronics. Our TV is 17 years old which gives you an idea of our interest in the latest…

Five fundamentals required for 'ME-tailing' success

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

It's the "Age of the Consumer." That's not news. The lead articles on retail are chocked full of stories about how consumers are now empowered through their…