Wanted: Impulse-buy killer

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

I entered my favorite office supply store looking for paper for my inkjet printer. As good fortune would have it they had it on sale — buy 2 reams get 1 free.

Best Buys are after five in Fox Point

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Disenchanted employees of Target, Best Buy and other retailers who are facing the prospect of working Thanksgiving evening — and we mean all evening — should…

EBay, PayPal predict the coming of "couch commerce" this Thanksgiving

November 21, 2011

It’s not just m-commerce, it's "couch commerce." And if eBay is right, couch commerce is going to be a big part of this year's holiday retail season.

Toys "R" Us intros new mobile solutions

November 21, 2011

Toys"R"Us shoppers have more ways to stock up on gifts this holiday season. In addition to updates made to store's iPhone and Android apps, Toys R Us has…

NRF: Eight in 10 customers plan to give gift cards this year

November 20, 2011

Thanks to e-gifting, instant delivery through Facebook, personalized video and even mobile options, gift cards have become unique gift ideas in their own…

Retailers planning extended Cyber Monday, holiday promotions

November 20, 2011

As online shopping continues to reach unprecedented levels, retailers plan to emphasize value and savings to their shoppers all holiday season long. According…

Social shopping: Are we there yet?

Retailers are increasingly turning to social media, but how many have realized its potential?

Some thoughts on Black Friday

by Jim Joseph — President, Lippe Taylor

In case you haven't noticed all the pre-hype, Black Friday is coming soon to a retailer near you.

NRF: Up to 152 million shoppers expected on Black Friday weekend

November 16, 2011

Though there are already plenty of great deals on everything from e-readers and smartphones to apparel and toys, Americans know there is only one Black Friday…

Why is lululemon athletica quoting Ayn Rand?

by James Bickers

The yoga retailer's blog and shopping bags have recently extolled the "Bible of the Tea Party."

Store employees balk at early Black Friday openings

November 15, 2011

Black Friday is quickly approaching as major retailers kick of the holiday shopping season earlier each year, hoping to be the first stop for Thanksgiving…

Survey: Consumers trying more fashion retailers in 2011

Thirty-two percent tried a new fashion retailer in the past 90 days, up from 14 percent in 2010.

NRF: Consumer spending on discretionary categories boosts October retail sales

November 14, 2011

Led by discretionary purchases, October retail sales saw impressive growth across the board, an encouraging sign for retailers as the holiday season gets…

Survey: Grocery shoppers maintain or increase spending, look for more value, service

Consumer spending on groceries has increased in the past three months, but consumers are expecting more from their stores.

NRF: Return fraud to cost retailers $3.5 billion this holiday season

November 9, 2011

While still a tremendous problem, fewer retailers are expecting return fraud rates to grow this holiday season, thanks in part to enhanced return policies and…

Is expansion on your horizon? Should it be?

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

I was listening to a company's CEO/founder relate her company's rise to success, warts and all, when she stated that when they hit $3 million in revenue they…

U.S. households plan to spend an average of $497 this holiday season

November 8, 2011

U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $497 on gifts this holiday season, The Conference Board reports today. Only 7 percent of consumers said…

Young America short-term rewards result in 10 percent sales lift

November 7, 2011

Loyalty programs that are structured like promotions may generate significant short-term sales lift, according to Young America, an incentive marketing firm.

Report: Mobile device retail traffic will more than double this November

Fifteen percent of people logging onto a retailer's Web site are expected to do so through a mobile device.

Study: Annoying music drives customers away

November 3, 2011

Half of Britain's shoppers have left a store because they were annoyed by the music, according to a study by Immedia Plc, a company that develops music…