Report: Economy prompts major change in retail merchandising

August 31, 2011

RSR Research, an analyst firm providing market intelligence on retail technology trends, has announced the results of its latest research report, "Twenty-first…

What retailers can learn from Hurricane Irene

by Laurel Tielis — Author and Professional Speaker, Laurel Tielis & Associates

Flashlights, first aid supplies, and batteries were must-haves for people in Hurricane Irene's path. But Pop-Tarts were high on the list of items people were…

Jewel-Osco’s new strategy: Good business or sheer folly?

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

In a May 3, 2011 Chicago Tribune article Wallin Wong reported that Jewel-Osco "...is continuing to cut prices while tailoring its stores for individual…

CVS taking heat for length of store receipts

Coupons and special offers are stretching the length of the average receipt - and customers don't like it.

Study: Newspaper circulars still preferred resource for back-to-school shopping

August 24, 2011

While smartphone usage continues to increase, only 2 percent of shoppers listed mobile as a resource when planning for back-to-school shopping, showing no…

Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

Sixteen months ago, a British retailer was forced to clear its shelves of teeny-weeny bikinis that came with padded bras. Why? Because the suits, sold at…

NRF: Department, clothing stores are expected winners in final back-to-school rush

August 22, 2011

As the final days of summer tick away for kids around the country, more families plan to visit department stores, clothing stores and websites for last-minute…

Survey: Consumers four times more likely to shop a retailer when they feel an 'emotional connection'

August 21, 2011

With holiday planning already underway, retailers are looking for different ways to reach consumers and drive sales during the 2011 holiday season. Typically…

NRF: Shoppers using smartphones and tablets for back-to-school

August 17, 2011

With a little help from their smartphones and tablets, families with school-aged children are hitting stores and websites ready to tackle their back-to-school…

Opinion: The retail 'moment of truth' has run amok

Why trying to pull apart the Gordian knot of consumer motivation and label each piece is an exercise in futility.

Disney's price increases: Yoda or Goofy?

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

In a June 20, 2011 Orlando Sentinal article, "Disney pricing strategy: Seeking more profits out of long-term visitors," Jason Garcia cites hefty price…

NRF: July sees retail sales increase

August 14, 2011

Amid concerns that consumers would begin pulling back on their spending, the back-to-school season started with a bang as consumers hit the stores in July to…

Talbots: Neither here nor there

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

A few years ago, I had a skirt hemmed because the salesperson remarked that the original hem was “neither here nor there.”  Fortunately, the store’s in-house…

Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit: Do you know what your customers are thinking? (video)

A consumer branding researcher gives the scoop on the consumer's inner decision-making process.

Survey: Twice as many people tell others about bad service than good

Americans are placing an even greater premium on quality customer service this year.

Is it bad to buy Likers on Facebook? Not necessarily.

Social promotions are critical for creating excitement, building relationships and demonstrating honest brand good will.

Mall landlords use technology to woo shoppers

August 2, 2011

Mall owners are fighting fire with fire. According to a Bloomberg report, some of the world's largest mall owners are using online and mobile technologies to…

How retailers are giving men what they want

Is it really as simple as "Hooters plus product" when it comes to getting men excited about shopping?

Deceptive pricing

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

"I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Can Booqoos make social discounts more valuable to retailers?

Upstart competitor to Groupon aims to give retailers more control over their campaigns.