Report: Consumers influenced by a retailer's physical appearance

More than two-thirds of consumers say they have avoided a store based on its external appearance.

Study says $16 billion worth of loyalty program rewards go unredeemed each year

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Americans accumulate approximately $48 billion in rewards points and air travel miles annually.

NRF: Retailers lead economic charge with 10 straight months of sales gains

May 11, 2011

Retail sales increased for the tenth straight month in April, further evidence that the retail sector and consumer spending continue to lead the economic…

What recent events in Japan will mean for luxury brands

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

Before the news about Bin Laden, people were talking a lot about the effects from the tragic events in Japan. Of course there is a human side which we are all…

Why do sales people forget that they are also buyers?

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

A strange transformation takes place when a person takes on a sales role. It doesn't matter whether it's a "sales professional," a solo entrepreneur, a…

Half of smartphone users now shop online via mobile device

May 10, 2011

Fifty percent of smartphone users now have  completed some sort of purchase with their mobile phones, a 20 percent increase in the last nine months. Eleven…

Study shows word-of-mouth advertising down drastically in wake of recession

May 10, 2011

Despite an explosion in consumer conversation technology, Americans have cut back substantially since 2008 on the opinions they share by word-of-mouth (WOM…

Walmart To Go – Will it Stay?

by Lisa Biank Fasig — Director, JZMcBride and Associates

For all of those consumers who would never go to Walmart, the hyperchain has found a way to come to you.The world's largest retailer is testing a home-delivery…

The Napster Moment

by Doug Stephens — President, Retail Prophet Consulting

In 1999, a teenager and a relatively simple piece of technology rocked the music industry. The teen was Shawn Fanning, the technology was P2P file sharing…

Altimeter’s Jeremiah Owyang pinpoints retail's sweet spot

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

To find retail's sweet spot, a purchase, put the customer ahead of technology. For multiple purchases, make customers influencers for your business.

Three ways packaging can impact, improve the retail experience

Brands are increasing their focus on more distinctive packaging that attracts a loyal customer base.

Red Chariot retail immersion center to open in June

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Services are aimed at reinventing the shopping experience post-recession.

Study: One in four shoppers will pay more for environmentally friendly products

May 3, 2011

According to a shopper experience study currently underway by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research, titled "The Checkout," nearly one in four shoppers are…

NRF: Retailers increasing mobile, search efforts

May 2, 2011

In an effort to better serve multi-touchpoint, always-on, and empowered consumers, a growing number of retailers are experimenting with mobile and social…

Survey: Consumers will pay a premium for good service

U.S. consumers also tell twice as many people about bad service compared to good service.

Pricing patterns are predictable. Use them to your advantage.

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

It's fascinating how predictable pricing is, especially during changing economic times. During economic downturns the vast majority of companies discount…

Change your store hours to increase sales

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

No matter what state the economy is in, no matter how frugal consumers are, customer-centric retailers are building business. Here's one way for you to be one…

EyeTrackShop uses webcams for online eye tracking

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

The online eye tracking tool delivers results at one-tenth of traditional costs.

Study reveals social media has little effect on buying behavior

April 28, 2011

According to USAToday, a new study by Forrester Research and GSI Commerce reports that social media has almost no influence on online buying behavior.

NRF: Mother's Day spending to return to 2008 spending levels, reach $16 billion

April 27, 2011

Often known as the voice of reason, and even frugality, mom doesn't expect much for Mother's Day. But this year, her loved ones are fully intent on pampering…