TradeStone, First Insight bring social media to the product design process

June 8, 2010

TradeStone Software, developer of solutions that unify the design, sourcing, ordering and delivery of private label and branded goods, and First Insight, a…

Why customers abandon shopping carts online

In 2009, 88 percent of U.S. online customers abandoned at least one shopping cart, 136 million people in total.

Report: Affluent customers driving the retail recovery

Findings include an uptick in affluent consumer spending and optimism, and shifting online commerce expectations.

Study: Grocery shoppers highly susceptible to in-store marketing

Two-thirds of consumers buy 'off list,' and 90 percent will pick up impulse items perceived to be a bargain.

The four types of convenience store shoppers

By understanding these different motivations, brands can better leverage true, in-the-moment behavior to trigger purchases.

Discounting During Peak Season

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

Survey: 68 percent of shoppers say promotions spur retailer visits

In-store, mailed and emailed promotions most effective at driving new traffic.

Clothes, gadgets, gift cards to be the major gifts this Father's Day

June 2, 2010

As the economy continues its slow rebound, Americans will spend slightly more paying homage to the most important men in their lives this Father's Day.

Want to Increase Demand?

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

Opinion: Why mystery shopping isn't enough for retailers

A customer feedback expert offers four reasons why mystery shopping is insufficient for capturing the voice of the customer.

Should You Recruit Gay Men To Sell Your Merch? Maybe

by Bob Phibbs — CEO, The Retail Doctor

The Expressive is the spark-plug to your crew. They are the one that adds color, excitement and fun. Is that a gay thing? No, Bob Phibbs says it is an…

Five trends to help retailers compete on convenience

A time-starved populace demands immediate gratification, but it won't compromise on selection.

NRF: Gift spending is up for graduation season

Fewer people will buy graduation gifts, but they will spend slightly more than last year.

NRF: April retail sales show continued momentum

May 16, 2010

Retail sales continued their upward climb in April, showing evidence of a much more confident consumer compared to this time last year.  According to the…

Can companies really predict what customers like online?

Internet marketers may not know as much about shoppers as they think do, according to a new study.

Ten ways retailers can build their opt-in email lists

If no one is reading your marketing emails, it doesn't matter how creative or passionate those messages are.

How retailers can market their way out of tough times

In today's economic climate, cutting back on marketing is flirting with business suicide.

Managing brand bashing on social media

For retailers, the best defense against online negativity may be your best customers.

Study: Satisfaction with online retailers reaches all-time high

May 4, 2010

Satisfaction with Top 100 e-retailers rebounded from a dive this time last year, to an all-time high score of 78 points out of 100, a five-point increase.

Four lessons to learn from the success of Miracle Mile Shops

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

The Vegas shopping destination has posted double-digit growth for four consecutive months. Here's how.