Report: Moms win out over the economy

Good news for Mom. Jewelry gifts for Mom showed the most improvement as More than nine of 10 consumers (93 percent) plan to celebrate Mother's Day, with total…

How Facebook pages can impact customer experience

Customers are using Facebook to research companies more than many retail executives and industry experts may have anticipated.

Build-A-Bear founder on the importance of listening

Maxine Clark demonstrates how to build brand loyalty by seeking feedback from customers.

Selling the seductiveness of luxury in-store

Why the in-store experience is crucial for creating loyalty to artisanal products.

Retailers: Ask your customers for permission to market to them

You can legally add a customer's email to your mailing list without asking. Here's why you shouldn't.

Report: Moms win out over the economy

Mother's Day spending poised for a five-percent increase, according to new research.

Men shop too: The four key factors for marketing to men

Reaching the male shopper takes more than merely transforming colors, fonts and packaging.

The return of the Target-only credit card

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

It's a move that is understandable from a financial standpoint but questionable from a customer satisfaction one: As we reported Tuesday, Target is…

Going "Beyond" Customer's Expectations

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

On New York's east side, there’s a store with exceptional customer service.  It's not on Madison Avenue. It's not on 5th Avenue. It starts with a “B” but it’s…

Survey: Mother's Day spending set to increase this year

April 19, 2010

Having spent slightly more on Valentine’s Day, Easter and even St. Patrick’s Day, consumers this year are continuing the trend and will spend a little bit more…

Retail e-mails: Treading the fine line between marketing and spam

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A retailer's opt-in list is one of its most valuable assets, but reaching out to it too often can result in brand backlash.

Fatto a mano: The seductiveness of luxury

A stroll through the streets of Florence highlights the true meaning of luxury in the post-recession world.

March retail sales stronger than anticipated, according to NRF

April 13, 2010

Surging past expectations, retail sales continued to show signs of improvement as consumers hit the stores for seasonal home goods, furniture and apparel.

Building a Better Bank

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

In the realm of retail shopping, Reluctant Shoppers* are defined by their ability to “put off” shopping as long as possible.  The actual problem might never…

Two-thirds of Facebook users say it influences purchase decisions

A new report details how users of the social networking site use it to interact with brands and retailers.

What's Really Good About HomeGoods

by Annamaria Turano — Executive Director, MCAworks

Do you find yourself regularly going to HomeGoods?  Just to see what’s there?  You’re not alone; the fans of HomeGoods are numerous and extremely enthusiastic…

Loyalty programs: what works, what doesn't

Perhaps not surprisingly, the least costly methods of building and maintaining loyalty are often the least effective.

Just for you... here's the one word that matters

by Susie Pecuch — Client Contact, The Customer Experience Architects

Amidst the many fancy and impressive business theories, advice and strategies for retail success, there is actually only one word that really matters.

The Market Share Myth

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

Study: Women buying more online in response to poor customer service

April 4, 2010

A recent survey by VibrantNation.com, an online community for women over 50, reveals that Baby Boomer women are shifting their clothing purchases online…