Report: Gift card spending to drop slightly

November 18, 2009

While they remain the most requested holiday item, shoppers are expected to pull back on buying gift cards again this year. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday…

Report: More holiday shoppers will pay with debit, cash

November 16, 2009

It's the year for a little more green and a little less plastic. According to NRF's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by…

Report: Four ways Millennials will impact retail in coming years

November 16, 2009

Millennials — Americans born between 1979 and 1989 — are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in…

Five things any retailer can learn from Apple

While most retailers can't lean on Steve Jobs for help with reinvention, there are lessons that all can learn from the Apple/Disney partnership.

Barnes & Noble Nook raises questions about digital-only products

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Technology has made it possible to deliver music, movies, books and more without a physical product. But is that good for shoppers or retailers?

Customers are buying down, and opportunities are rising, part 3

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Customer-centric experience design is explored in this final installment of "Where's the Opportunity?"

Four strategies for a better retail holiday season

Retailers need to prepare for the upcoming season with carefully planned merchandise assortments, inventory levels and cross-channel promotions that drive…

Considerations When Placing a POS System

The point of sale is the last interaction a customer will have in the store. Having a cluttered, crowded system can leave a lasting negative impression.

Study: H1N1 flu could have a big impact on holiday retail

Nearly one in five consumers say their concern over the flu will cause them to avoid holiday shopping on traditionally busy days.

Best Buy CEO: Low prices are 'table stakes' for retailers

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

October 25, 2009

Customers care about low prices, but they want a lot more from their retailers than just the best deal.

Smart retailers fight walk-aways at the checkout

An average of 1.6 percent of customers leaves the checkout queue — and the store — without completing a purchase.

Freakonomics co-author to speak at NRF 2010

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Journalist Stephen Dubner has been added to the roster of "retail's big show," taking place this January in New York.

ISME 09: Seven tips for marketing to families during a recession

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A fundamental shift in consumer spending has led to new rules for marketing to moms, the "Chief Purchasing Officers" of the modern family.

Top 10 brand and marketing trends for 2010

A new definition of value, growing consumer expectations among the things brands and retailers will need to watch for.

American shoppers get creative for Halloween

September 28, 2009

One of the spookiest parts of Halloween this year may be the amount people plan to spend on their celebrations. According to the National Retail Federation's…

RetailWire Discussion: Brands not connecting with women through social media

A new study finds that three out of four women who engage with brands via social networking sites say they are not influenced to purchase based on what they…

Opinion: The difference between clerking and selling

The Retail Doc explains why in-store staff should be moved beyond low-hanging fruit and into real selling.

More grocery stores to stop accepting checks

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

September 21, 2009

Whole Foods has stopped accepting consumer checks at three of its stores this month, a test to see how consumers will react.

Research: Canadian shoppers have no patience for browsing, waiting in line

September 15, 2009

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Canadians are adjusting to the economic uncertainty by comparison shopping on the Internet and searching out efficient retailers who can…

Great customer service: Remembering the little things

Tough times mean retailers need to squeeze all the value they can out of their assets, and that includes the small touches that can make a big difference.